PhD Position in Data Science at the Technical University of Denmark

A PhD position in data science is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) from May 2021. The period of employment is 3 years.

Summary

Project Description

The position is part of the EU H2020 project MISSION ATLANTIC: Towards the Sustainable Development of the Atlantic Ocean www.missionatlantic.eu. The PhD must actively contribute to the large international research network established in this project. The project work is primarily carried out in the Section for Oceans and Arctic at DTU Aqua in Lyngby.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is March 30, 2021

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the successful candidate is enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Patrizio Mariani, pat@aqua.dtu.dk

Eligibility

Marine ecosystems are complex adaptive systems consisting of large networks regulated by the adaptive dynamics of their constituents. Interactions in the networks occur across different levels of ecological organizations (from the individual, to population and communities), and are both directly and indirectly modified by environmental pressures.

Spatial and temporal dynamics on all levels of an ecological organization are emergent properties of these interactions and regulated by local environmental conditions. These complex dynamics and structures are central to life on Earth and are generally investigated using both direct observations and mechanistic modelling of selected biological and physical quantities.

However, it remains of critical importance to identify and characterise the relevant scales of ecosystem interactions, including the determination of specific ecological state and dynamics, as well as identify early warning indicators of ecosystem change.

In Mission Atlantic, we plan to develop statistical frameworks based on machine learning approaches (e.g. deep-learning, Bayesian non-parametric models, reinforcement learning) to combine observations and data from general ocean models to:

• Develop adaptive statistical models of marine ecosystems able to combine deterministic and stochastic temporal representations;
• Identify and predict the spatio-temporal dependencies across specific regions in the Atlantic Ocean;
• Assess the role of resilience for ecosystem dynamics;
• Detect anomalies in very large spatio-temporal datasets of ecosystem state;
• Determine the importance of uncertainties in data input and prediction of ecosystem dynamics;
• Advance decision support tools for managing marine systems and their services.

Candidates for the PhD position should have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

We are looking for candidates with:

• An excellent background knowledge and experience in handling and analysing large data sets using a range of statistical approaches
• Proven skills on advanced statistical modeling
• Ability to develop the project across disciplines (e.g. data science, marine ecology, oceanography, mathematics, etc.)
• Flexibility concerning research stays abroad
• Good communication skills in English, both written and orally
• Ability to conduct research independently and problem solving skills
• Strong interest in participating in an inter-disciplinary and international research environment
• Willingness to contribute to a positive and inspirational work atmosphere

Application Process

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• A description of proposed research (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
• Recommendation letters from senior professionals are welcomed

Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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