PhD Studentship in Statistics at Durham University

The Statistics and Probability group at Durham University is offering a PhD position, starting 1st of October 2015, for a duration of 3.5 years to study Bayesian approaches to well test analysis. Well test analysis is a procedure used by petroleum engineers to learn about the structure of oil and gas reservoirs on the basis of simple measurements of pressure and rate of flow from a well. Least squares deconvolution has proven to be a successful methodology, though it provides limited information about the uncertainties involved. A key objective of the studentship would be to develop a Bayesian approach to well test analysis and the associated uncertainty analysis problem.

The candidate would be expected to have at least a 2:1 degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or a related subject with a strong quantitative component. Funding will be available to cover tuition fees for UK/EU students, and subsistence of approximately £14,500 per year. The funding is provided by an industrial research consortium via the Centre for Petroleum Studies at Imperial College, London.

Postgraduate students at Durham University are part of a stimulating and research-focused environment, as exemplified by postgraduate seminar series, conferences, and an extensive network of collaborations with other Departments from which many PhD projects are benefiting. Students have access to high-quality postgraduate training through our membership in APTS (Academy for PhD Training in Statistics), as well as training events organised jointly with other universities in the North East.

We would welcome applications before 19th June 2015, including a cover letter and CV, by e-mail to p.g.statistics@durham.ac.uk and clearly referencing the Bayesian approaches to well test analysis project. Successful applicants will need to apply formally via https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/ before the offer documents can be issued.

For informal prior enquiries, please contact:
Dr Jonathan Cumming
Email: j.a.cumming@durham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 3124

Prof David Wooff
Email: d.a.wooff@durham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 3121