King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, CEMSE Division

Position ID: 2170-FPS [#16396]
Position Title: Faculty Position in Statistics
Position Type: Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Position Location: Thuwal, Jeddah 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia [map] sort by distance
Application Deadline: finished (2020/10/05, finished 2022/05/21, listed until 2021/11/14)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed. ***

The current challenges that confront the statistical data sciences deal with the need to efficiently process massive data, build powerful statistical models and develop efficient computational tools. There are opportunities to develop impactful research that can address substantive inferential and forecasting problems on a wide array of complex processes including biological, social, physical, epidemiological, climatological and environmental.

The Statistics Program (https://cemse.kaust.edu.sa/stat) at KAUST aims to contribute to statistical data science by developing modern approaches for conducting rigorous inference which will help to advance research in these disciplines. Through our methods, researchers and policy makers will be equipped with information along with measures of uncertainty, that are necessary for making sound decisions in a timely manner.

To address these current global needs, the Statistics Program at KAUST will be hiring multiple open-rank positions with expertise on these two modern core areas:

1. Statistical Data Science with emphasis on high dimensional statistics

Modern technological advances enable the collection of massive data from various fields including networks (transportation, communication, social), biological, epidemiological and climate. Some of these data are high dimensional objects such as networks and curves. One goal is to extract low dimensional representations of these complex objects that help to understand the underlying complex processes. Another is to develop statistical tools and models in order to quickly make accurate predictions. This requires building high dimensional statistical models that capture the intrinsic features for visualization, inference and predictions. This core area has high potential impact in the areas mentioned above. Through these complex models that efficiently extract information from massive data, engineers can anticipate disruptions in transportation networks, climate researchers are able to forecast (and hence prepare for) drought and wildfires and public health experts are able to track and predict the spread of infectious diseases. Applicants in this core area are expected to be developing novel framework and inferential methods that deal with the challenges of high dimensional statistics. Applicants should aim to make an impact in modeling and forecasting in areas including, but not limited to, public health, climate, social sciences and cybersecurity.

2. Statistical Data Science with emphasis on computational methods

Most of the research in statistics within the last decades have been focused around improving the computational methods and, often in tandem, with developing statistics methods that make inference scale well computationally. From the computational side, this includes methods based on stochastic gradient; methods for simulation-based inference such as Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, ABC, particle filtering and ensemble Kalman filtering; to methods that are by design approximate such as Variational Bayes and Laplace approximations; or those interpreting numerical methods as learning algorithms like in probabilistic numerics. We are in the early time of parallel computing, so it is beneficial that new methods developed also scale and run well in a high-performance computing environment. Applicants in this core area are expected to develop cutting edge research with the aim of developing methods and models that have an impact of pushing the boundaries for the use of statistics in areas including, but not limited to, smart health, artificial intelligence, energy, climate and robotics.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in Statistics (or other relevant fields). The Statistics Program at KAUST welcomes especially applications from early career academics, like Assistant to early Associate Professor. However, Full Professors with internationally recognised research within at least one of these two areas are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong commitment to mentoring, teaching at the graduate level, service and making an impact in interdisciplinary research.

Applications from women with expertise in these core areas are especially welcome.

KAUST is an international, graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. Located in Saudi Arabia, on the western shores of the Red Sea, KAUST offers superb research facilities, generous baseline research funding, and internationally competitive salaries, together with unmatched living conditions for individuals and families. The generous social policy coupled to the top-quality research facilities have succeeded in attracting top international faculty, scientists, engineers, and students making KAUST into the only university worldwide where fundamental goal-oriented and curiosity-driven research is employed to address the world’s most pressing challenges related to water, food and energy sustainability as well as their impact on the environment. More information about KAUST academic programs and research activities are available at http://www.kaust.edu.sa


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Contact: Hernando Ombao
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
KAUST P.O. Box 4700
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal - Jeddah
23955-6900
Web Page: https://apply.interfolio.com/79286