PhD student in Statistics (Biostatistics)

The department of Statistics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, is looking for a PhD student in Statistics, which can perform high quality methodological statistical research connected to cognitive aging studies (Biostatistics). Apply 2021-10-31 at the latest.

We are seeking a PhD student for the research project "Innovative causal methods for cognitive aging studies", which is led by Maria Josefsson. The overall purpose of the project is to develop statistical methods to study causality between lifestyle factors and cognitive performance at older ages. Particular focus will be on adjustment for selective dropout and selective survival in longitudinal cognitive aging studies using Bayesian machine learning methods.

The project will be a mix of statistical theory, probabilistic programming and applications, for example using data from the Betula study or SHARE. The field of application lies in psychological sciences, health sciences and neuro sciences. The project is located at Umeå University and is conducted in close collaboration with international researchers within the field. The computational language will primarily be R.

The PhD program in Statistics is four years. PhD students may be appointed to teaching and/or consulting duties up to 20% of their time, thereby prolonging the duration of the program to guarantee four years of graduate studies. For more information about doctoral studies: www.aurora.umu.se/en/units/faculty-of-social-sciences/

The starting date for the position is December 1, 2021, or upon agreement.

Requirements and qualifications
Applicants should have a degree awarded at the advanced level with a major in Statistics (or equivalent qualifications). Moreover, the student must have satisfactorily undertaken courses in Mathematics equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credits. Exact prerequisites can be found at the department’s Swedish webpage, or using the contact details provided below. Applicants with a degree from a non-Swedish university are encouraged to provide obtained results from GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL tests if available.

The assessments of the applicants are based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive. Experience in statistical programming is a merit for the position.

Skills and personal qualities
The position requires a second-cycle university degree in statistics/ mathematical statistics/ computer science or a closely related field. The ideal candidate has experience in mixed effects modelling, probabilistic programming or survival analysis. Computer skills should at least include R, Fortran or similar statistical software.

Personal qualities for the role include being independent, structured, performance-oriented and with strong analytical abilities.

How to apply
The application should include:

• A letter of application with a motivation describing your research interests and how there are relevant for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• Form “New PhD” which you can find here: www.hh.umu.se/emp/newPhD.docx
• Copies of undergraduate and graduate theses.
• Copies of relevant degree certificates and other documentation you wish to include in support of your application.
• The names, with contact details and e-mail addresses, of at least two reference persons.

The application is to be submitted on the University recruitment system no later than October 31, 2021.

Information
For further information please contact Associate professor Maria Josefsson +46 (0)90-786 7099, [email protected] , or Professor Marie Wiberg + 46 (0)90-786 9524, [email protected] .

More about USBE
As an internationally respected, nationally influential, and regionally rooted part of Umeå University, Umeå School of Business, Economics, and Statistics contributes to societal development through education and research of a high international standard.

Through interplay with surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to the understanding, ability, and responsibility of individuals in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development.

In collaboration with our surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to individuals' understanding, ability and responsibility in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development. We are AACSB-accredited and sustainability certified according to the environmental management standard ISO14001.

The Department of Business Administration, the Department of Economics, the Department of Statistics and The USBE office form USBE, with about 140 employees. About 3300 students follow our programs every year and we offer education from the undergraduate to the doctoral program level in all of our main disciplines – Business Administration, Economics and Statistics.

The Department of Statistics has about 30 members of staff. We conduct research with the field of Statistical Sciences, both method development and empirical research, in collaboration with other sciences.

Read more about USBE here: www.umu.se/en/usbe/

Welcome with your application!