Work Environment
Mathematical Modeller s typically work in the following Career Sectors:
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Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
The Work
Mathematical modellers decipher the essence of what makes something work, from an airplane to the economy. It is then phrased in mathematical language.
Modellers encode the main features of the process with equations, and simulate it in order to gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Mathematical models are used in the natural sciences, engineering disciplines and in the social sciences.
Mathematical models can take many forms including, but not limited to, dynamical systems, statistical models, differential equations, or game theoretic models.
Modellers help to explain any system and to study the effects of different components in order to make predictions about future behaviours within that system.
A modeller’s work can be extremely varied depending on what sector you are employed in. It can range from forecasting a river flooding, to developing models that analyse the resistance of deadly diseases.
Employment opportunities for mathematical modellers can be found in a variety of industries including soology, video game design, aerospace and pharmaceuticals and on technical teams in animation and film.
Work Activities
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Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Analysing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Tasks and Activities - Design and develop mathematical models of systems. - Evaluate relevant data and analyse it with statisticians. - Design and test new models to help with research. - Conduct mathematical models to experiment clinical data. - Present on recent research and findings. - Analyse large scale data and mathematical modelling. - Understand empirical process modelling, experimental design and parameter estimation. |
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Knowledge
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
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Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
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Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
Skills
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems. |
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
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Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
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Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
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Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
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Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
- Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
- Prepare data for processing by organising information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
- Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
- Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Qualities - Mathematical Modeller
Excellent analytical and observational skills are essential for a mathematical modeller.
Good communication skills both written and oral are necessary to communicate findings with team members and also possibly in a lecturing capacity.
Modellers need an inquisitive mind and plenty of determination as problem solving is key to this occupation.
An aptitude for maths and mathematical applications are highly advantageous.
Interests - Mathematical Modeller
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry - Mathematical Modeller
A background in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Computer programming would be typical for this position.
Relevant Level 8 degree courses in all of the above disciplines are available from a range of Universities and Inst of Technnology.
Higher education CAO entry: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Computer programming NFQ level 8 Search CAO courses
Postgraduate level study is required to become a Mathematics Modeller. Postgraduate courses focusing on mathematical modelling will provide optimum benefit for pursuit of this career.
- UL provide an MSc in Mathematical Modelling - details here
- UCC also offer a postgraduate degree in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific computing, details of which can be found here.
A Ph. D. NFQ level 10 would be required to reach a high level position in this sector including Lecturing positions at third level.
Last Updated: April, 2023
Pay & Salary - Mathematical Modeller
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €140k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Indeed/ Salary Expert/ Payscale
Last Updated: August, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Mathematical Modeller
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The strong employment growth for this occupation can be attributed in large part to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment has increased annually since then, albeit in small numbers.
The public administration and defence sector accounted for the largest share of employment at approximately two-fifths. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily in the financial activities and ICT sectors in roles including actuaries, data scientists and risk analysts. The Recruitment Agency Survey cited vacancies for data scientist engineers and actuaries as difficult-tofill. While demand exists for these roles, the numbers involved are likely to be small.
Useful Contacts - Mathematical Modeller
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Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI)
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick
- (061) 213013
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
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STEPS - Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
- (01) 665 1340
- [email protected] Back to top
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