Funded PhD Studentship in Financial and Actuarial Mathematics

Research covers key areas of probability and statistics with applications to finance and insurance. This reaches from the study of stochastic differential equations, stochastic control, Monte Carlo methods, rare event simulations, extreme value theory, time series, regression, Bayesian tree and statistical learning to risk theory, financial derivatives pricing, insurance ratemaking, risk management and portfolio optimization.<br /> <br /> This is a strong and active area of research. There are many collaborations and interactions between researchers across these areas, both at Leeds and externally, and there is a thriving community of PhD students, as well as regular seminars and reading groups in Probability, Statistics and Financial Mathematics.<br /> <br /> We are delighted to offer a fully funded PhD studentship and applications are invited from strongly motivated and academically excellent candidates for PhD study in our Statistics department, within these strategic priority Research areas:<br />

<p class="Textbody" style="margin-bottom:9px"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4001/dr-georgios-aivaliotis">Georgios Aivaliotis</a>: Bayesian tree models, machine learning, modelling and prediction of extremes, risk management</p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/12206/dr-nadhir-ben-rached">Nadhir Ben Rached</a>: Monte Carlo methods in computational finance, rare event simulations, stochastic control and machine learning</p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4032/dr-arief-gusnanto">Arief Gusnanto</a>: High-dimensional statistics, regression methods for portfolio allocation</p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/5350/dr-lanpeng-ji">Lanpeng Ji</a>: Risk theory, Bayesian tree models, applications of statistical learning in actuarial sciences</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Funded PhD Studentship in Financial and Actuarial Mathematics. </strong></em>Please include the name of your preferred supervisor as listed. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Statistics.</strong></em> </p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 28 February 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>Please contact individual supervisors listed for information about projects.</p>