PhD Position in Statistics (RTG 2300, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany)

The Research Training Group (RTG) 2300 ‘Enrichment of European beech forests with conifers: impacts of functional traits on ecosystem functioning’ at the Georg-August-University Göttingen in Germany, is currently inviting applications for

1 PhD Position in Statistics (75% TV-L E13)
(f, m, d)

starting on January 1, 2021. The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for 3 years.

The position is entitled ‘Bayesian Semiparametric Regression’ and located in the Statistics and Econometrics group with Prof. Dr. Thomas Kneib (www.uni-goettingen.de/en/264255.html). The general objective of this subproject is to develop flexible and practical forms of regression models for the type of data collected within the RTG. A particular focus will be on distributional regression models as well as structural equation models as flexible tools for modelling complex relations in empirical data. By the time of employment, the successful candidate will already have completed a very good M.Sc. degree in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics or other areas related to the scientific work of the RTG with a strong focus on quantitative methods.

The interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2300... ... was established in 2017. The PhD students enrolled in this program investigate ecological challenges and societal demands on forests in a changing climate. The program focuses on European temperate forests. A central goal is to uncover the impact of mixed compared to monospecific forests on ecosystem functions and processes with a special focus on the importance of functional traits. Our research approaches involve field studies in European beech, Norway spruce and Douglas fir forests and their mixtures, experimental studies to uncover cause-effect relationships, and statistical as well as economic analyses. We hypothesize that mixtures of European beech with conifers show higher functional diversity than pure European beech stands, resulting in higher resilience and providing multiple ecosystem services. ... offers a vibrant academic environment, joint supervision of PhD candidates by thesis committees, and a structured study program with many opportunities to improve scientific and personal skills. The following research groups are offering PhD projects: silviculture, tree physiology (mycorrhiza), plant ecology, soil sciences, animal ecology, wildlife sciences, forest nature conservation, forest modelling, forest economics, and spatial forest structures as well as applied statistics. You can find detailed information on the individual positions below and online at www.uni-goettingen.de/en/623417.html. General information on the RTG2300 and the different projects are available at www.uni-goettingen.de/grk2300 .

We are seeking highly motivated candidates, who wish to conduct their PhD training in an interdisciplinary environment. Successful candidates
• will have completed their MSc or equivalent university degree in a subject area relevant for the RTG 2300 program (see details for the different positions below)
• are fluent in English (IELTS min. 6.0 or equivalent) and motivated to learn some German
• are eager to conduct field work
• are keen to collaborate and share data with their PhD colleagues Your application must include (compiled as one pdf document!):
• curriculum vitae including information on posters, presentations, awards and publication list, if applicable
• a motivation letter (maximum 1 page). In case you apply for more than one project offered by the RTG (see below for details), please refer to at most three projects in your motivation letter
• certificates of studies (if a degree is not yet completed you may also provide a document listing your current grades)
• two references (name and contact information of two senior researchers)
• summary of your MA thesis and if applicable one publication

To apply for this position, please upload your application in one pdf document via the online application site
https://lotus1.gwdg.de/uni/ufwb/grk_2300.nsf/enter and list subproject 10 as one of your priorities. Further application details are available on the application site. The closing date for applications is August 2, 2020. We also encourage advanced Master candidates to apply but successful completion of the MSc or equivalent university degree is mandatory prior to employment.
If you have any questions, please contact the RTG’s coordinator Dr. Serena Müller (Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo., +49-551-3921217) or the Prof. Dr. Thomas Kneib (Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.) for subject specific questions.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in the field. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in accordance with the data-protection law. Further information on the applicable law and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO) (www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo).