Job Description

Grade UE07 41,064 - 48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Mathematics

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.
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Applicants should upload a CV and a brief research statement (max 2 pages) when applying for the post. For informal enquiries please contact Professor Simon Wood, simon.wood@ed.ac.uk .

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

To play a key part in producing methods that get used and make a difference to how data are analysed in practice, as part of collaborative team based in the statistics group in the School of Mathematics . The statistics group (formally part of the data and decisions theme, with operational research) comprises 22 members of academic plus students and postdocs staff. With interests in statistical computing, AI and ML, medical and environmental statistics, Bayesian computing methods, high dimensional data, extremes, finance, statistics in the law, causality and beyond the group has an active and lively research culture underpinned by the Centre for Statistics .


Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live, with a thriving cultural scene epitomised by its huge month long arts festival every August; excellent connections to the rest of the UK and Europe (4.5 hours direct to the Eurostar terminal); and close proximity to the hills, lochs and coastline that make Scotland so appealing to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.




You will benefit from comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

staff benefits page

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.


Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).


The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 2 October 2025.


Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.


Interviews will be held week commencing 20th October.