Theory and applications of statistical arbitrage

Project description
The theory and applications of statistical arbitrage is an active research field for both academics and financial industry practitioners. The PhD project focuses both on the theory and application of various new statistical arbitrage techniques, at the same time linking this theory to the classical finance literature on portfolio theory and market efficiency.

Our research team includes both academics and industry practitioners. Successful PhD candidate will be working closely with the top level researchers of the CITIC securities in China and have an opportunity to work together with their research teams for real applications of the theory in different asset classes.

This research topic is also under the umbrella of research projects at the Research Institute of Quantitative Finance at Xian Jiaotong Liverpool University, which is directed by Dr. Ahmet Goncu. Upon successful completion of the project internship opportunities in Chinese security firms can be arranged. For more information about the Research Institute of Quantitative Finance see our website and research publications related to this topic at:

http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/IQF/SitePages/HomePage.aspx

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd.html

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in one of the quantitative majors such as

Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Finance, Economics, Physics or Computer Engineering/Science. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Supervisors
Principle supervisor: Associate Professor, Ahmet Goncu (Xi’an Jiaotong- Liverpool University, China)

Co-supervisor: Dr. Hirbod Assa (University of Liverpool, UK); Co-supervisor: Dr. Hongsong Zhou, CITIC Securities, China

Co-supervisor: Dr. Zhang Nan, CITIC Securities, China

Contact
Please email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) and copy [Email Address Removed] with a subject line of the PhD project title

Degree
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV

• Two reference letters

• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position

• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required

• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international

students, only the English version is required)

• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Ahmet Goncu ([Email Address Removed]), whose personal profile is linked below, http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/maths/Staff/ahmet-goncu http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/IQF/SitePages/HomePage.aspx