Description
The Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University integrates three areas of research focus: Actuarial Studies, Business Analytics, and Econometrics, and boasts well-established programs with strong national and international reputation in all fields. A defining characteristic of the research conducted by the Department is the development of cutting-edge new methodology and theoretical results, and the translation of new methodology into opensource software. Consistent with their expertise, departmental staff also provide training for a high proportion of all PhD students in econometrics and business statistics in Australia. As a testament to the quality of the Department's research output, Monash was given the highest possible rating (5) in Econometrics in the 2012, 2015 and 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia assessments conducted by the Australian Research Council (ARC). The Department is ranked in the top 10 institutions in the fields of Econometrics, Time Series and Forecasting by IDEAS (a Research Papers in Economics service maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, USA). According to the University of Nebraska Global Research Rankings Business School Actuarial Science Rankings, over the last two years we have improved our world ranking from 36th (based on 2016-2020) to 19th (based on 2018-2022) and our national ranking from 5th to 4th.
We provide the quantitative training in the Bachelor of Business, the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Economics, the Bachelor of Finance and the Bachelor of Actuarial Science, as well as several Masters by Coursework programs, and we offer comprehensive curricula at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in theoretical and applied econometrics, business analytics and actuarial studies. Many of our senior staff are editors and associate editors of reputable academic journals in econometrics and statistics and we enjoy significant success in gaining competitive ARC grants, industry-based grants, and contract research. For more information about our Department and the work we do, please visit our website: monash.edu/business/ebs. Our disciplines benefit from a high level of engagement with industry practitioners and are deeply involved in significant research activities. The department also plays an active role in the opensource software movement, including contributions to the R Foundation, underscoring its commitment to analytics that advance social good. This integrated approach ensures that we maintain a cutting-edge, practical focus that prepares our students for dynamic careers. Monash and the Business School value staff diversity and champions inclusive practices. We are committed to equitable decision making and apply the principles of achievement relative to opportunity in our selection processes.
Requirements
POSITION PURPOSE
A Level E academic is expected to exercise a special responsibility in providing leadership and in fostering excellence in research, teaching, professional activities and policy development in the academic discipline within the department or other comparable organisational unit, within the University and within the community, both scholarly and general. The Professor of Actuarial Studies provides academic and strategic leadership for the Monash Actuarial Program, supporting the delivery of its long-term vision and strategic plan. The incumbent will provide leadership in original research in the Actuarial Studies discipline and drive the development and delivery of significant associated research projects. The Professor will have a high level of involvement of linking the faculty with professional activities for the benefit of students and play a key role in actively engaging and collaborating with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community at a national and international level, to further build the faculty’s industry connections and strategic alliances. The Professor will have achieved eminence in the Actuarial profession and will provide leadership and foster excellence within the profession and the community more broadly.
Reporting Line: The position reports to the Head of Department
Supervisory Responsibilities: Not applicable
Financial Delegation: Not applicable
Budgetary Responsibilities: Not applicable
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific duties required of a Level E academic may include:
1. Provide academic and strategic leadership for the Monash Actuarial Program, supporting the delivery of its long-term vision and strategic plan.
2. Actively engaging in a specialist research area in line with the faculty’s research strategy, by maintaining a substantial active publications record (high-quality refereed journals) and supervising and mentoring early career researchers and students in advanced or speciality training programs
3. Foster research excellence through procuring competitive research grants, leading significant research projects and working with other staff to develop research links
4. Leading major funding initiatives or research and development projects
5. Supervising PhD students
6. Providing strong leadership in the curriculum development and teaching of actuarial subjects
7. Driving initiatives linking the faculty to industry
8. Maintaining a high level of involvement in professional activities and active engagement and collaboration with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community at a national and international level, to further build the faculty’s industry connections and strategic alliances
9. Providing intellectual leadership and high-level service in the Actuarial profession and with the Actuaries Institute
10. Contributing to scholarly debate within the profession (e.g., publishing in practice journals)
11. Contributing to setting government policy or professional practice standards at the national or international level
12. Undertaking high quality research that has industry relevance
13. Presenting research results at national and international forums
14. Other duties as directed from time to time
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Education/Qualifications
1. The appointee will have:
a doctoral qualification, or equivalent accreditation and standing; and
fellowship in the Actuaries Institute (Australia) (or equivalent) and be recognised as a leading authority in the Actuarial profession
Knowledge and Skills
2. A reputation for outstanding impact and achievement in the actuarial profession
3. Outstanding scholarly activity of a national or international standard in Actuarial studies and a demonstrated ongoing commitment to one or more programs of research
4. Demonstrated ability to generate significant research income, from both traditional and more innovative sources of research funding
5. Demonstrated ability to lead postgraduate training programs and experience with supervising PhD students
6. Proven excellence in teaching (at undergraduate or postgraduate levels)
7. Proven, highly developed skills of leadership, networking and management, and capacity for executive administrative responsibilities
8. Very high-level communication skills and evidence of sustained relationships with industry, business, government agencies, professional bodies and academics
OTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION
Travel to other campuses of the University may be required
There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time
There may be peak periods of work during which taking of leave may be restricted
A current satisfactory Working With Children Check is required
GOVERNANCE
Monash University expects staff to appropriately balance risk and reward in a manner that is sustainable to its long-term future, contribute to a culture of honesty and integrity, and provide an environment that is safe, secure and inclusive. Ensure you are aware of and adhere to University policies relevant to the duties undertaken and the values of the University. This is a standard which the University sees as the benchmark for all of its activities in Australia and internationally.
