PhD Scholarship

Massey University

Position: PhD scholarship in Statistics, with applications in Ecology
Term: 3 years
Starting: July 2011
Title: "New robust solutions to the multivariate Behrens-Fisher problem"
Funded by: Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Grant (10-MAU-062)
Supervisor: Professor Marti J. Anderson
Host organisation: New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study (NZIAS), Massey University, Albany Campus (North Shore City, Auckland), New Zealand

Project: The Behrens-Fisher problem (BFP) is one of the oldest puzzles in statistics. The essence of this problem is how validly to compare means (or multivariate centroids) between two or more populations when their variances (or multivariate dispersions) differ. This is especially irksome in ecology whenever variables consist of counts of abundances of species, because any differences in means will be accompanied by differences in variances as well. The purpose of this research project will be: (i) to quantify the robustness of semi- and non-parametric tests for equality of centroids in the presence of heterogeneity of multivariate dispersions and (ii) to help develop new solutions to the multivariate Behrens-Fisher problem using computer-intensive resampling methods (such as bootstrap and jackknife techniques). The new methods developed will be applied to real-world ecological problems and datasets, and will also be extended to higher-way designs and mixed models. The work will include travel and active collaboration with colleagues in the UK, Professor Bob Clarke and Ray Gorley, of PRIMER-e (http://www.primer-e.com).

Skill set: A PhD student is required for this research programme. The student should have an excellent University record, holding the equivalent of a Masters, postgraduate diploma or BSc Honours (1st class) in statistics or quantitative ecology. The student must have knowledge of R and good programming skills. Knowledge of other programming languages (C, Fortran, etc.) will also be viewed favourably. Proficiency in English and good writing skills are essential. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated inter-disciplinary background in statistics for ecology, especially those having knowledge of multivariate analysis, experimental design and mixed models.

To apply: Send a CV, a copy of your full academic record, the names and contact details of at least 2 referees, and a cover letter outlining your skills, interests and appropriateness for this position to: Professor Marti J. Anderson, New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study (NZIAS), c/ IIMS Building (East Precinct), Massey University, Albany Campus, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. m.j.anderson@massey.ac.nz

Applications close: 28 February 2011