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PhD SCHOLARSHIP in STATISTICAL INFERENCE FOR NETWORK-BASED TRANSPORT MODELS Institute of Fundamental Sciences Massey University, New Zealand Applications are invited for a three year (full-time) PhD scholarship at Massey University within the Statistics Group in the Institute of Fundamental Sciences. The scholarship is funded by a Marsden Fund grant recently awarded to Professor Martin Hazelton, for the development of new tools for statistical inference for network-based transportation models. Project Summary: Network-based models of road traffic systems underpin a vast array of transport management and planning activities. They play a pivotal role in attempts to control traffic congestion, which is currently estimated to cost New Zealand around $1 billion per annum through its impact on the economy, the environment, and public health. For practical application, such transport models must be calibrated for the traffic system under consideration. This gives rise to a wide range of statistical inference problems. Examples include estimation patterns of travel demand over the network, calibration of microsimulation models of traffic flow, and inference for network-based vehicle emissions models. The most readily available type of data for these problems comprises traffic counts on a set of network links. However, these do not uniquely determine the route flows, leading to a statistical linear inverse problem structure. By focusing on this common structure, the aim of this project is to develop improved tools for inference with wide applicability in transportation science. In particular, we will seek methods that are computationally feasible even for very large networks, and methods that can be applied to complex modern 'black box' models of traffic flow. Professor David Watling (Institute of Transport Studies, University of Leeds) is an Associate Investigator on the project, and travel to the U.K. to visit his group is likely for the successful applicant. Funding: The scholarship includes a tax-free stipend of NZ$25,000 per year for three years. Additional funding is available for computing equipment and travel. About Statistics at Massey University in Palmerston North: The Statistics Group at Massey University in Palmerston North is based in the Institute of Fundamental Sciences (which covers the disciplines of chemistry, mathematics, physics and statistics). The Group is led by Professor Martin Hazelton, and comprises 11 staff with a variety of research interests. There is a rapidly growing PhD programme in Statistics at Massey University, including students drawn from around the world, providing a vibrant atmosphere for postgraduate research. How to Apply: Applicants should have an Honours 1 or 2(1) degree in Statistics (or an equivalent qualification), strong research potential, and be able to commence by the start of February 2009. Applications, including a curriculum vitae, academic transcript, covering letter and contact details of two referees should be sent to Prof Martin Hazelton, either by post to Institute of Fundamental Sciences (Statistics), Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand, or (preferably) by email to [log in to unmask] All applications received by 28 October 2008 will be considered. Enquiries For more information please contact Professor Martin Hazelton, ph (64) 6 3505799 x2483, email [log in to unmask]