Functieomschrijving

The BIOSTAT research group of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University has a vacancy for a PhD student in statistics. The research group is part of the Department of Data analysis and Mathematical Modelling and has a broad expertise in the theory and methods of statistical data analysis and its applications in the field of bioscience engineering (www.biostat.ugent.be).

The PhD project deals with the development of optimal designs for data collection of spatial(-temporal) data. In various bioscientific applications, the acquisition of data can be labor intensive or costly such that in practice one is interested in an efficient design of data collection, e.g. for the acquisition of species observations to model species distribution or for the acquisition of weather observations for the study of climate extremes. The research work will encompass the development of novel methods and computational algorithms as well as the application and validation of them on real world data.

Your main tasks:

• You perform academic research for the preparation of a doctoral dissertation.
• You write down your results in scientific articles that are published in web of science indexed journals.
• You present your recent findings in international conferences.
• You are willing to assist in teaching activities of the courses in statistics or the preparation of research proposals (max. 20%).
  
  

Offer:

• We offer a position for 1 year. In case of positive annual evaluations, the position can be extended up to a maximum of 4 years.
• An exciting research environment, working on the intersection between theory and application in the multi-disciplinary research environment of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University.
• The possibility to obtain a Ph.D. title in Bioscience Engineering: Mathematical Modelling.
• The possibility to participate in international conferences and collaborations.
• The exact start date of the position is negotiable, preferably before 01/10/2022.

Functieprofiel

Technical skills and background:

• You have a relevant academic master's degree ((bio)statistics, computer science, mathematics, bioscience engineering, or a closely related field) with excellent grades (“great distinction” on average). Candidates that will graduate soon (before the starting date 01/10/2022) are also encouraged to apply.
• You have strong background in the theory of statistics and data analysis, as well as practical applications. Specific background or experience in computational statistics and spatial(-temporal) statistics is an asset.
• You have background in scientific programming. Knowledge of the languages R and/or Python is an asset.
• You have mastered the English language, both in writing skills and oral presentations.
  
  

Attitude:

• You are interested in obtaining a PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering: Mathematical Modelling
• You take initiative in searching for new research ideas and you are not afraid to be critical about your own work.
• You are highly motivated and able to face complex issues.
• You are able to work independently but you are also able to take part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Solliciteren

INTERESTED?
Apply by sending an e-mail to stijn.luca@ugent.be with as subject “vacancy BIOSTAT”. Your application must include the following documents attached to the mail:

• Professional resume (CV) named as: CV_”family name”
• Motivation letter named as: MotivationLetter_”Family name”
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc) named as: Transcripts_”family name”
• Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of at least 1 professional referee.
• If possible a copy of your master thesis.
  
  

The application deadline is 15/08/2022. We do not accept late applications or applications that are not complete.

We advise to submit your application as soon as possible, as a decision may be taken before the deadline.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. dr. Stijn Luca, (stijn.luca@ugent.be).