National Centre for Research Methods PhD studentships

Two fully funded NCRM PhD studentships.

Informative nonresponse

(Located at CMI, Manchester)

Accounting for informative item nonresponse in biomarkers collected in longitudinal surveys is a key methodological issue in social-biological datasets. The PhD aims to develop methodological techniques for accounting for informative item nonresponse in the analysis of collected biological data in longitudinal surveys. Informative nonresponse means that the probability of response to the collection of biological data and to the linkage of external databases may be dependent on unobserved values.

This PhD will support the objectives of the NCRM socio-biological work package by developing advanced methods for the analysis of hierarchical linked datasets with informative nonresponse. The PhD will include cutting edge statistical methods and methodological innovation to be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre.

For informal enquiries contact Professor Tarani Chandola or Professor Natalie Shlomo

Evaluating disclosure risk in linked data

(Located at CMI, Manchester)

The anatomy of disclosure risk in a world of linked population data aims to develop new analytical methods for evaluating disclosure risk in linked data, particularly the disclosure risk related to spatial associations, and the development of quality measures to provide to users about the impact of disclosure control methods on substantive estimates.

For this studentship we are looking for applications from potential students working in one of five new methodological areas: (i) assessing disclosure risks with linked data, (ii) understanding disclosure risks in synthetic data, (iii) new models of privacy for the big data world (iv) privacy and stream data and (v) mapping the data environment.

The PhD may include cutting edge statistical methods and methodological innovation to be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods AQM stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre. To apply visit University of Manchester postgraduate studies pages. The PhD can be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre.

For informal enquiries contact Professor Mark Elliot or Professor Natalie Shlomo.

Both of these PhD studentships have a September 2015 start date.