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Assistant Professor in Actuarial Science

Simon Fraser University

Assistant Professor in Actuarial Science

Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science within the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in actuarial science at the rank of Assistant Professor to commence on July 15, 2027, or a mutually agreed date thereafter. Candidates from all areas of actuarial science will be considered; however, demonstrated expertise or a strong research interest in climate risk and its actuarial applications will be considered an important asset. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service who brings a collegial, collaborative, 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 comprises 27 continuing faculty members, including five specializing 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. We are situated on SFU’s Burnaby campus, gifted the names xʷtatəl̕ləm ʔə ƛ̓ səltaɬ sme:nt (learning place) and Xwta7ltáw̓txw tl’a Lheḵw’lhúḵw’aytn (learning house) by the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Kwikwetlem Nations. Our department is 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 levels. Doctoral studies focusing on actuarial science are available through our PhD program in Statistics. The Department is also exploring several new initiatives at the intersection of actuarial science and climate risk. 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 to meet the challenges of the future. The actuarial science unit’s success in teaching, research, and industry engagement has earned SFU the designation of Center of Actuarial Excellence from the Society of Actuaries (SOA). Beginning in Fall 2026, our program also participates in the SOA’s University-Earned Credit program. Our undergraduate actuarial science program has also been fully accredited since the introduction of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries’ University Accreditation Program.


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.
  • Contribute to the development of new departmental research, teaching, and outreach initiatives, including initiatives at the intersection of actuarial science and climate risk.
  • Contribute to teaching, research, or curriculum initiatives addressing the implications and applications of artificial intelligence in actuarial science.

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

Qualifications

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires a strong academic record, completed academic or professional training, evidence of effective teaching or the potential for teaching excellence, potential to grow in stature as a scholar, and a willingness to contribute actively to the University. 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 indication of imminent completion may be hired at the rank of Instructor and will be promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor upon completion of the PhD.
  • A demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, research excellence, as evidenced by the quality, originality, and potential impact of research outputs and other scholarly contributions appropriate to the candidate’s career stage and opportunities.
  • The potential to develop and sustain an active, externally funded research program.
  • Evidence of effective teaching or the potential for teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Evidence of, or a strong commitment to, contributing actively through service to the Department, Faculty, University, academic profession, or broader community.
  • The ability and willingness to teach courses across the actuarial science curriculum, including courses aligned with the core actuarial syllabus.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work collegially with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

The following qualifications will be considered assets:

  • Demonstrated expertise or a strong research interest in climate risk and its actuarial applications.
  • Professional actuarial credentials. 
  • A vision for university education and research that addresses the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly expanding use and capabilities of artificial intelligence tools.

How to Apply

All application materials should be submitted through MathJobs. General inquiries about the position can be directed to Caitlin Chow. A complete file should contain the following information:

  • A concise cover letter (1–2 pages) explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and addressing the full scope of the job requirements. Within the cover letter, candidates are invited to describe their experience or plans for supporting inclusive teaching, research, mentoring, service, and respectful and collegial learning and working environments.
  • 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. Reference letters will be requested directly from referees for candidates who advance in the search. 
  •  Your legal status to work in Canada. 

We recognize that alternative career paths and career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) 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 or interruptions have impacted them. 

Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by December 4, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if the position is still open. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2027.

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.

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

SFU 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. 

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

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 for this role is $138,340 at the Instructor rank, and $144,700 to $173,322 at the Assistant Professor rank. These estimates are dependent on experience and are inclusive of a market differential. 

SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty; please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Services page for more details. If you have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, please contact a Faculty Relations Advisor. The successful candidate will be a member of the Simon Fraser University Faculty Association (SFUFA). 

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.