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{06fdc68f0c32a4bb4bc587245a8893a97471dc602b4e431d14a97651d507d6d7} 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 (grk2300-coordination@forst.uni-goettingen.de,
+49-551-3921217) or the Prof. Dr. Thomas Kneib
(tkneib@uni-goettingen.de) 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).