Assistant Professor in Actuarial Science

Simon Fraser University

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science within the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in actuarial science at the rank of Assistant Professor to commence July 15, 2025 (flexible). Any area of expertise will be considered, but emerging areas of actuarial science (e.g., climate risk, cyber risk, etc.) are of particular interest. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service who brings a collegial, flexible, and communicative approach to contributing to the department, university, and scientific community.

About the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and SFU
The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science is comprised of 28 continuing faculty members, including six in actuarial science. The department is recognized internationally for its academic excellence, commitment to pedagogy, and being home to the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute. We take pride in fostering a supportive and accommodating environment for all our members. Situated on the Burnaby campus, we are a short walk from the University Childcare Centre, athletic facilities, and scenic hiking trails.

The Department offers degrees in actuarial science at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level. Doctoral studies focusing on actuarial science are possible under our PhD program in Statistics.

We are dedicated to preparing students for lifelong learning and producing professionals who demonstrate integrity and ethical behaviour. Our graduates are critical and creative thinkers, skilled at problem-solving and equipped for the challenges of the future. The actuarial science unit’s success in teaching, research, and integration with industry has earned Simon Fraser University the designation of Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries. Our undergraduate actuarial program has been fully accredited since the implementation of the University Accreditation Program by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

Key Responsibilities of the Position
• Develop and maintain an active and externally funded research program;
• Teach a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in our actuarial science programs;
• Supervise and mentor graduate students in the Actuarial Science Master’s program and the Statistics PhD program with a focus in actuarial science;
• Contribute to service activities within the department, faculty, and university;
• Engage in research and service activities with the broader scientific and academic community.

The typical workload distribution for tenure-track assistant professors in our department is 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service.

Qualifications
Excellence in research and teaching are the primary criteria for this position. The successful candidate must have:
• A PhD in actuarial science or a closely related field by the employment start date. However, PhD candidates with solid indications of imminent completion may be hired at the rank of Instructor, with a promotion to Assistant Professor upon completing the PhD.
• A strong record of research activity as demonstrated by publications, research and travel grants, and other relevant activities.
• Evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Ability and enthusiasm for teaching courses in the core actuarial syllabus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who work in emerging areas of actuarial science (e.g., climate risk, cyber risk, etc.). Professional actuarial credentials are valued but not required.

How To Apply
All application materials should be submitted through MathJobs.org at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/25861. General inquiries about the position can be directed to Caitlin Chow (she/her) at stat_chair_sec@sfu.ca. A complete file should contain the following information:

• A concise cover letter (1–2 pages) explaining your interest in the position and addressing the full scope of the job requirements, as described under key responsibilities and qualifications;
• A current curriculum vitae, including details of research and teaching;
• A concise research statement articulating your current and future research plans (maximum 2 pages);
• A teaching statement describing your teaching experience and philosophy and providing evidence of your teaching effectiveness (maximum 2 pages);
• Names and contact information of three referees who can comment on your suitability for this position, one of whom can speak to teaching ability.
• Your legal status to work in Canada.

We recognize that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness, research delays due to COVID-19) can impact research achievements, and we commit to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them.

Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by December 18, 2024. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if the position is still open. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2025.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact SFU’s Equity Office at edi@sfu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $134,700–$163,322 dependent on experience and inclusive of a market differential. SFU also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, health, and dental benefits as well as a mortgage subsidy program for new faculty. For details on the benefits offered by SFU, please visit the Faculty Relations website.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details, see the full Collection Notice.