PhD Scholarship Top-ups

University of New South Wales

PHD SCHOLARSHIP TOP-UPS IN BAYESIAN STATISTICS

Value: AUD$5K-8K per year, for 3 years
Starting: July 2011 and/or January 2012

Area: Approximate Bayesian Computation
Funded by: Australian Research Council (ARC)
Supervisor: Dr Scott A Sisson
Host organisation: University of New South Wales, Sydney

Project: Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) describes a class of techniques that allow Bayesian statistical inference when the likelihood function is computationally intractable. This setting is arising increasingly frequently in a large range of applied sciences, and the model need not be overly complex for this to occur. In essence ABC conceptually avoids model evaluation by fitting the model indirectly. This idea is based on simulation of data under the model, and looking to see what model parameters are more likely to generate data that is close to the observed data. The issue being investigated is that this approach is currently very ad hoc, and yet scientists are routinely drawing conclusions from analyses using this approach. A PhD in ABC methods would develop improved theory, methods and application of ABC methods, and contribute to advance scientific research in a number of applied fields.

For background reading see: http://arxiv.org/abs/1001.2058

This award is a scholarship top-up, not a full scholarship. A student is expected to be able to attract a full PhD scholarship before the top-up can be awarded (see http://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au). The School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW, also provides an annual AUD$5K topup to PhD students with a scholarship.

Skill set: An excellent university record holding the equivalent of a Masters or BSc Honours (1st class) in statistics. Previous experience of Bayesian statistics is crucial, as is good programming skills. Proficiency in English and good writing skills are essential.

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 scholarship topup to: Dr Scott A. Sisson, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia. Email: Scott.Sisson@unsw.edu.au

The PhD application round at UNSW closes on 25th March 2011 (for admission in July 2011).