Faculty Position in Actuarial Science

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Financial and Actuarial Mathematics

School: School of Mathematics and Physics

Position: Faculty [Open Rank]

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. The 3rd contract is open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University, a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among whom about 1,000 are academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of the wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of and an educational model for the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from the West and the East.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS

The Department of Financial and Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) is devoted to education and research for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the financial and actuarial fields.

Department of Financial and Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) is a friendly and academic-inspiring hub for researchers, educators, students in financial mathematics, actuarial science, and statistics. Our department is a well-established education centre for financial mathematics and actuarial science at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department has diversified research areas with a focus on financial mathematics, actuarial science, statistics and probability. The department also provides PhD degree education in these research areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct high-quality research as shown by publications in leading journals.
• Actively pursue external research funding.
• Supervise PhD students, Master and undergraduate student projects.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in English.
• Contribute to the functioning of the department and school.

The successful candidate is expected to deliver research and teaching in Actuarial Science, which includes Actuarial Mathematics, Risk Management, Stochastic modelling, Statistics and Probability, Data Science (particularly in insurance data analytics) or similar areas, depending on the evolving needs of the department. The successful candidates are also expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students in research and contribute to the university in terms of service and administration. The workload in teaching and administration is comparable to other research-led universities. Successful candidates are also expected to apply for internal and external research funding opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and being able to motivate others;
• Effective communication skills;
• Strong team player;
• Proactive and flexible;
• Able to work in an environment where diversity and inclusiveness is appreciated.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

Multiple faculty positions are open, at the rank of Lecturer/ Teaching fellow / Assistant professor / Associate professor / Senior Associate professor.

• Candidates must hold a PhD degree from a reputable doctoral program.
• For early career candidates, we expect to recruit candidates with promising research and teaching potential.
• Candidates for the position of Associate Professor and above should have a strong track record in teaching and academic supervision, as well as an international research profile in their fields and a successful record of research funding.
• Fluency in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in conducting research supported by national-level research funds.
• Experience in academic programme design and development.
• Experience in supervision of PhD student projects.
• Professional credentials (SOA/IFoA Associate or Fellow) are advantageous but not mandatory: Associates or Fellows of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is a plus.
• International Professional qualifications/membership recognised in the Financial and Insurance Industry.
• Qualifications include demonstrated research excellence in Actuarial Science, ideally with a focus on insurance data analytics.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the global market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Education allowance
• Relocation allowance

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

The university provides every new faculty member with a Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects, and a Research Engagement Fund is provided to support their continuous research activities.

The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national, provincial and city-level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese citizens, to work and carry out research in China. Some of the programs are listed in the table below. Successful applications are based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The university will provide full support for the applications. 

Talent/ Research Program/ Fund

• 'Outstanding Youth Science Foundation' Project (Overseas)/ RMB 1-3 Million
• 'Innovation Leading Talent'/ up to RMB 2 Million
• 'Outstanding Leading Talent of International Discipline'/ 50% of Annual Package
• 'Young Leading Talent of International Discipline'/ 50% of Annual Package 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website.

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Three References (Two for Research, one for Teaching)

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Department, Prof. Conghua Wen at Conghua.wen@xjtlu.edu.cn

Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at Mingwei.Sun@xjtlu.edu.cn