PhD Scholarship - Making predictions beyond model-based clustering for mixed type data at Victoria University of Wellington 2025

PhD Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington 2025-26 – Making Predictions Beyond Model-Based Clustering for Mixed Type Data

This project aims to develop new methods for clustering mixed-type survey data and calibrating cluster memberships using proxy data to enable population-wide predictions. The candidate will contribute by creating novel clustering structures and building predictive models as part of the Marsden-funded project “Making Predictions Beyond Model-based Clustering”, working with experts in categorical data, computational methods, and ordinal data modeling.

Eligibility Criteria: 

1. Applicants must be highly motivated with an excellent academic record, holding an Honours or Master’s degree in statistics, data science, or a related field, with strong programming skills (preferably in R) and excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
2. Applicants should have a strong interest in contributing to diverse areas of statistical methodology development, and be familiar with the mathematical theory and computational methods of statistics.

Selection Criteria: Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit, having a background which aligns well with the research project, and an expressed interest in the research area.

Application Process: To apply for the PhD position, please send a cover letter, CV, copies of academic transcripts, a writing sample (such as a first-author publication or Master’s thesis chapter), and the names of two referees to Prof Ivy Liu at ivy.liu@vuw.ac.nz.

Award: NZD 35,000 stipend per annum, plus Tuition Fees for 3 years.

Note: 

1. The NZD 35,000 per annum stipend will be paid directly to the student in monthly payments. 
2. Tuition fees & levies will be paid directly to the University. The student must complete regular PhD progress reports to a satisfactory standard.
3. Acceptance of this scholarship includes conditions similar to those of the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship and signing of the Victoria Research Scholarship Contract.