Phd in Probability at University of Auckland

A PhD project in probability is offered at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, on “Probabilistic analysis of stochastic population models and their genealogies” to be jointly supervised by Assoc. Prof. Simon Harris, Dr. Jesse Goodman, and Dr. Geoffrey Pritchard.

The research project will look at the genealogical trees for samples of individuals chosen at random in various stochastic population models, such as inhomogeneous branching Brownian motions and branching random walks on random graphs. In particular, we will investigate the universal coalescent processes that appear as limiting regimes in some important branching process models that exhibit either selective advantage (or fitness) of individuals, or very large (heavy-tailed) family sizes.

The PhD will be based in the Department of Statistics. The successful candidate will also benefit from membership of the probability group at the University of Auckland which aims to provide a supportive research environment, including regular probability seminars, visitors and other activities. Also see: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/department-of-statistics/statistics-research/probability-and-applications.html

The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in probability, and to have (or soon obtain) a BSc Honours or MSc in mathematics, statistics or related areas, at the level of Upper Second or First class, or equivalent. Please include your CV and academic transcript with your enquiry.