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

PhD Scholarship - Making Predictions Beyond Model-Based Clustering for Mixed Type Data 2025

This scholarship offers full funding for a PhD position focused on developing new clustering methods for mixed-type survey data and building predictive models. The research is part of a Marsden-funded project on “Making Predictions Beyond Model-based Clustering” and involves collaboration with experts in categorical data, computational statistics, and ordinal modeling.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold an Honours or Master’s degree in statistics, data science, or a related discipline, demonstrate strong academic performance, and possess advanced programming skills—particularly in R. Excellent written and oral English communication is required.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit, relevance of their background to the research project, and a clear interest in advancing statistical methodology.

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a writing sample (e.g., 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 Details

The scholarship provides a stipend of NZD 35,000 per annum, paid monthly, and covers tuition fees for three years. Additional conditions include regular progress reporting and acceptance of scholarship terms similar to the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship.

Apply here: http://wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/phd-scholarship-making-predictions-beyond-model-based-clustering-for-mixed-type-data