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PhD position for project in mathematical statistics

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type PhD Research Funding
  • Application deadlineExpired
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The PhD researcher will be part of a very active research group in mathematical statistics, consisting of members of the research group ORSTAT at the Faculty of Economics and Business, and members of the section Statistics and Risk, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science. This constitutes a very dynamic and pleasant working environment, where research is conducted at the highest international level.

Project

The project contributes in developing new statistical methodologies for data belonging to non-Euclidean spaces. It in particular deals with data on a circle, a hypersphere, a torus, ...

Such data are omnipresent in applications (e.g. wind directions or orientations, escape directions of animals, ...). Most applications often even involve a mix of Euclidean data (real-valued data) and non-Euclidean data, and hence developed methods should preferably be able to deal with a diversity of data (possibly in high-dimensional settings).
Furthermore, when developing appropriate statistical methods, one should avoid making unrealistic (too restrictive) assumptions. This calls for flexible modelling and inference, i.e. semiparametric or nonparametric methods, for directional data.

Profile

  • Candidates must hold a Master degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Business Engineering, Civil Engineering or Computer Science, and should have obtained their master's degree with at least the grade of distinction.
  • Students that are in their last year of Master degree studies are also invited to apply.
  • Candidates should have a clear interest in mathematical foundations in statistics, and in developing methodology with the necessary theoretical support. Practical implementation of the developed methods is part of the project, and hence skills in computations and implementation (via codes written in open source software, such as R, Python, ...) are a plus.
  • A good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Offer

  • We offer a high-level and exciting international research environment.
  • A very experienced team of supervisors (Professors Claeskens and Gijbels), with a recognized international reputation, and a large international research network.
  • Funding is secured for four years. Contracts of one year are renewable (up to a maximum of three times; and a maximal duration of four years), upon a positive evaluation after each year.

Interested?

Submit your application, including

(i) A letter of motivation with statements on research interest and skills.
(ii) A curriculum vitae.
(iii) A transcript of grades obtained for all university courses taken at bachelors and masters level (for students in a last year of a Master program: grades obtained up to date).
(iv) Names and contact information of 2--3 references (these persons will be potentially contacted for providing reference letters).
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Irène Gijbels, mail: [emailprotected], or Prof. dr. Gerda Claeskens, mail: [emailprotected]

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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