Current Vacancies

Modelling the spatio-temporal distribution of Sumatran tigers and their prey

The aim of this studentship is to explore in detail probability models for the detection and occupancy of tigers and their prey, taking account of environmental characteristics such as details of the physical landscape, anthropogenic threats and season, using a long-term study of tigers in and around the Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra. Models will be fitted to extensive data, including camera-trap data and information from indirect signs of the animals. If desired, there will be an opportunity to visit the study area in order to appreciate the practical aspects of the data collection.

This project will be supervised jointly by Byron Morgan and Martin Ridout from the Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (IMSAS), and Matthew Linkie from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE). The student will receive an enhanced EPSRC stipend (£13,600 p.a. in 2007-2008). Fees will be met in full for students from the EU.

The student should have a good first degree, and/or an MSc, in statistics, or mathematics in which statistics forms a prominent part, and will become a member of the EPSRC National Centre for Statistical Ecology.

Click here for the PDF advertisement with more information.

Further information on the University of Kent may be obtained from: www.kent.ac.uk/ims/ and www.kent.ac.uk/anthropology/dice/.

Closing date: 27th June, 2008.
You may contact Byron Morgan (B.J.T.Morgan@kent.ac.uk) directly. Application forms can be obtained from Alexa Laurence (A.F.Laurence@kent.ac.uk).

Statistical analysis and modelling of benthic data

Benthic organisms live on the seabed, and are largely sedentary. As a result, they are studied in order to monitor the effects of man-induced seabed disturbances, such as fishing and dredging. The quantitative investigation of benthic organisms is currently of great importance, with relevance for conservation and biodiversity.

The research will involve the development and fitting of suitable probability models for the spatial distribution of individual species, and exploring links with acoustic (sonar) and appropriate covariate data. The collaborating body for this CASE award is the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), located in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex. The project will be jontly supervised by Jon Barry of Cefas, and Byron Morgan and Martin Ridout at Kent.

The studentship is open to British and other EU students. Tuition fees would be paid for both groups. In addition, for British students the annual stipend is currently £16,600 a year, but other EU students would only receive £3,000 pounds a year.

Click here for the PDF advertisement with more information.

The student should have a good first degree, and/or an MSc, in statistics, or mathematics in which statistics forms a prominent part, and will become a member of the EPSRC National Centre for Statistical Ecology.

Closing date: 27th June, 2008.
Application forms and further information from B.J.T.Morgan_AT_kent_DOT_ac_DOT_uk or M.S.Ridout_AT_kent_DOT_ac_DOT_uk