University of Western Australia, Australia

University of Wollongong, Australia

University of Lancaster, UK

PhD Scholarships are available in the area of statistical learning with applications to metocean and ocean engineering. Research topics in statistical learning identified as PhD projects include (1) sequential decision making and optimal design to augment targeted and efficient data acquisition; (2) data driven spatio-temporal inference/prediction of complex ocean dynamic processes; (3) statistical analyses, emulation, and uncertainty quantification of physical models. The student will be a member of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Transforming energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering (TIDE), situated in the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) at the University of Western Australia (UWA). TIDE brings together a vibrant international team of researchers in statistics, data science, and ocean engineering. The data science team within the Hub is comprised of researchers located at the University of Western Australia, University of Wollongong, Australia, and University of Lancaster, UK, with expertise in statistics, machine learning, and applied mathematics. Successful applicants will be hosted at one of the aforementioned institutions, depending on research interests and student circumstances, and will engage in collaboration across, and travel between, institutions.

A generous scholarship will be made available to fund the student’s studies for three years full-time. An additional top-up scholarship is also available for outstanding candidates. Tuition fees for outstanding international students (for up to 4 years) will be waived. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with both Australian and international collaborators, and funding is available for conference travel.

Applications are invited from domestic and international students who are able to commence their PhD studies in early 2024. Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, an Honours undergraduate degree or a Masters degree in Statistics, Machine Learning, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will have an interest in the development of statistical learning/machine learning methodology and computation, excellent mathematical and programming skills, and an interest in using them to model and predict environmental or engineering phenomena. Self-motivation, strong research potential, and good oral and written communication skills are essential criteria.

To apply, please send in academic transcripts, a CV, and a cover letter outlining your motivation for conducting research in one of the above areas to Kath Lundy (tide@uwa.edu.au). For informal queries, please contact A/Prof. Andrew Zammit Mangion (azm@uow.edu.au), A/Prof. Edward Cripps (edward.cripps@uwa.edu.au) or Prof. David Leslie (d.leslie@lancaster.ac.uk).