PhD Studentship Statistical Inference for Brain Networks



A research studentship is available in Statistics, supervised by Dr Richard Everitt and Professor Doug Saddy.  Funding is for 42 months, covering fees, and with a tax-free stipend at the Research Council minimum rate).  Note that standard rules concerning EU residency apply. The studentship is due to start on 1 October 2014, although this is negotiable.

You will conduct basic research in the area of Monte Carlo simulation based methods of statistical inference for intractable problems, motivated by applications in neuroscience.  Neuroscience is at the beginning of what should be an intense period of growth.  Earlier this year President Obama announced a large investment in the project “Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies” (BRAIN), which aims to produce a complete map of connections in the human brain.  This is neuroscience’s equivalent to the human genome project, which has revolutionised genetics in the past 10-15 years.  This studentship offers the opportunity to develop new statistical methods for analysing such data.

You will be based in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, but in addition you will work collaboratively work with members of the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN).  The project offers the scope for personal development to students who are interested in either methodological or applied statistics.  Further details of the project may be obtained from Dr. Richard Everitt (r.g.everitt@reading.ac.uk).

You should have at least a good 2.1 degree (predicted or actual) and a background in Mathematical Statistics, with an interest in Bayesian statistics or Monte Carlo methods and in the development of innovative approaches to modelling and analysing complex brain data.  Familiarity with a programming language such python, Matlab, R or C++ is also desirable.

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How to apply: Please apply by submitting an application for a PhD in Statistics via the ‘Apply’ button below. Please quote studentship reference GS13-79 in your application.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13 December 2013

For informal enquiries contact Dr. Richard Everitt (r.g.everitt@reading.ac.uk).

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