As a partner of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Innovative Training Network called "Advanced Multivariate Analysis for New Physics Searches at the Large Hadron Collider" (AMVA4NewPhysics), the University of Padua offers a PhD scholarship in Statistical Sciences.

The early-stage researcher recipient of the scholarship will be enrolled in the three-year PhD program offered by the Department of Statistical Sciences. The research will focus on statistical methods targeting the analysis of data from proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider operating at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland. The research plan includes the participation to international doctoral schools, workshops, and conferences, as well as visiting periods to CERN and to other European institutions belonging to the Network, plus a three-month secondment at a non-academic institution, attending to a stage centered on industry applications of Machine Learning tools. 

Eligibility criteria: Candidates should have an at least four year full time university education degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or related fields formally enabling them to embark in a doctorate program in the country where the degree was obtained;  in any case they should possess a strong background in Statistics and Machine Learning. Additional favorable traits include good computing skills and an interest in the application of statistical methods to fundamental research. The application of females is encouraged as AMVA4NewPhysics applies affirmative-action measures to ensure gender equality in the recruitment process.

In addition to the above, at the time of recruitment by University of Padova the eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in Italy for more than 12 months in the period October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2015 (short stays such as holidays are not taken into account). Eligible candidates must also be, at the time of recruitment, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in Italy, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is envisaged.

Conditions: The gross scholarship amounts to 3318 euros/month; in addition, a mobility allowance of euro 600/month is provided for, as well as a family allowance of euro 500/month if applicable. The cost of the doctoral courses, as well as all expenses related to travel to schools, workshops, and network-organized events, will be sustained by the network.

Call for applications is expected to open in mid August; after a preselection, the most promising candidates will be invited to a colloquium by video-conference at the beginning of October.
The PhD program is expected to start at the beginning of November 2015.

Further information on the position and on the program of the AMVA4NewPhysics training network can be obtained at https://homes.stat.unipd.it/giovannamenardi/content/amva4newphysics-0
or by contacting Dr. Giovanna Menardi at menardi AT stat DOT unipd DOT it