James has lectured at Arizona State University and at University College Cork, and since 2007 has held a Chair in Industrial and Applied Mathematics at the University of Limerick. James' research interests are in mathematical modelling of stochastic dynamics, with a particular focus on complex systems and networks. James is co-director of MACSI, the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry | University of Limerick (ul.ie). MACSI researchers develop and apply mathematical techniques to assist collaborators from science and industry in solving real-world problems. James is currently a member of the editorial board of Physical Review E, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of ISI Foundation Turin.

My group works on mathematical models for stochastic dynamics, particularly on complex networks. As co-director of MACSI, I am also interested in applying mathematical tools and techniques to solving real-world problems, in collaboration with partners from industry, science and engineering.