The Department of Statistics at The University of Auckland invites applicants for a scholarship to fund PhD study in the area of Bayesian astrostatistics. The postgraduate student will work with Dr Brendon Brewer on the development and application of advanced Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods in challenging astrophysical situations. The applications include finding dark matter substructures in strong gravitational lens systems and the detection of faint sources in complex astronomical images. The ideal candidate should have an Honours or Masters degree in physics, astronomy, or statistics, and proven programming experience.
The Department of Statistics is the largest and most active in New Zealand and one of the most active in the southern hemisphere. It has approximately 40 academic staff of whom 25 have positions that include substantial research components. It teaches a full range of programmes from Bachelors to PhD. The Department currently has approximately 90 graduate students of whom 25 are PhD students. The University of Auckland is the most highly rated University in New Zealand and Auckland is consistently rated as one of the world's top 10 most liveable cities (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_most_livable_cities). Travel opportunities will be available, including collaboration visits with astronomers in Australia and elsewhere.
Applications should be sent to bj.brewer@auckland.ac.nz and should include a CV, copies of academic transcripts, and a brief (1 page maximum) statement of research experience. Applicants should also arrange for two letters of reference to be sent to the same address. Review of applications will begin on December 1st and continue until the position is filled.
The tax-free stipend will be $25,000 NZD per year and all tuition fees will be covered.
No benefits information has been provided by the employer.
