Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical Computing

The University of Edinburgh - Department Mathematics

Location: Edinburgh, Hybrid

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 19th September 2025

Closes: 2nd October 2025

Job Ref: 13127

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: from 1st January 2026 until 31st December 2029

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in statistical computing methods, to work on the next generation of scalable and stable smooth statistical modelling methods, and their implementation in a state of the art python package. This 4 year project is collaborative with industrial partners and Simon Wood (the author of R package mgcv for smooth regression modelling).

The researcher will work with Simon Wood, industrial partners and students on developing statistical computing methods for general smooth regression models in large data – large model settings, and on innovative smoothing parameter and uncertainty quantification methods for general smooth models that approach O(np) computational complexity. As well as conventional academic methods development, a second strand of the work aims to produce the state of the art native python package for general smooth regression modelling, improving on mgcv, incorporating the new methods and providing seamless integration with industrial python based data analysis workflows.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD in statistical computing methods or closely related field.
• Proven statistical publication track record, with a sound methods component.
• Strong mathematical, numerical and software engineering skills.
• Good knowledge of modern statistical regression, particularly smoothing and mixed models.
• A strong background in Bayesian and frequentist statistical methods.

Apply Before: 02/10/2025, 23:59