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PhD Scholarship in Mathematics @Wollongong

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Location: The School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, University of Wollongong
Employment Type: 2 x PhD scholarship (3 years)
Duration: 3-year appointment
Closing Date: 10 July 2023

Two PhD scholarships are available for applicants to work on the ARC Discovery Project “Weather, climate & geological risks: derivative pricing & risk management”. This project aims to create new mathematical models and approaches for the fair valuation and hedging of financial derivatives, tackling funding for climate change adaptation and catastrophic disaster risk management. Businesses use derivatives to strategically mitigate financial losses from adverse climate conditions and geological hazards. Expected outcomes are improved models for weather variables and hazard risk assessment; richer methodology from the fusion of mathematical techniques, data analysis and earth sciences perspectives; and quantitative solutions to pressing societal concerns.

Prospective applicants will have a solid undergraduate degree in applied mathematics or mathematical finance, with an honours or master’s degree in related areas.

For further information about this position, please contact Dr M Rodrigo at rodrigom@uow.edu.au.

The University of Wollongong is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, and believe gender equality is fundamental to achieving our goal of being in the top 1%. The University seeks to increase the representation of women in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) to address gender imbalance. As a recognised leader in gender equality, we offer professional development programs and promote a healthy work life balance.

Joint PhD in Random Matrix Theory: “Critical phenomena in Complex and Real Spectra”

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KU Leuven / University of Melbourne


The Universities of Melbourne and KU Leuven have created a new, international joint PhD. Graduate researchers spend a minimum of 12 months at each university and are eligible to graduate with a jointly awarded PhD recognised with a testamur from each university.

Successful candidates:

  • Gain complementary skills from international colleagues to increase the impact of their research
  • Grow their international networks and develop a truly global perspective
  • Become part of two high-quality research environments and cultures


Two funded projects are available as part of a joint PhD collaboration between The University of Melbourne (UoM) and KU Leuven (Belgium). Graduate Researchers (GRs) participating in the joint program will be enrolled at both institutions and will spend a minimum of 12 months at the host institution. The research work will be performed under joint supervision, with one primary supervisor from each of the two institutions. All candidates must meet the eligibility requirements to successfully enrol at both universities. The successful candidates will be funded by either UoM or KU Leuven. This funding includes a full scholarship, health insurance and mobility support.


The project is in the field of Random Matrix Theory (RMT) and encompasses topics in Probability, Analysis and Mathematical Physics. You will analyse the relation of real and complex eigenvalues of certain deformations of random matrix ensembles at finite as well as infinite matrix dimensions. Applications can be found in quantum field theory, for instance. You do not need prior knowledge in RMT, though good analytical skills are advisable as well as a lot of enthusiasm.

Essential Skills/Qualifications

  • MSc or equivalent
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
  • Demonstrated organisational skills, time management and ability to work to priorities;
  • Demonstrated problem solving abilities and analytical skills;
  • The ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Information on projects, eligibility, application process and closing dates is available on the website.

Find out how to apply.

PhD Scholarship in Statistics or Applied Mathematics for climate modelling

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University of Newcastle
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

The University of Newcastle is seeking a PhD candidate to undertake doctoral study quantifying uncertainty in climate modelling applied at high resolution.  The candidate will be supported through an industry scholarship (APA equivalent) provided by Climate Risk, an industry partner.  Climate Risk’s modelling team is based in Newcastle, Australia, and the PhD candidate will also be based in Newcastle. 

Climate Risk is a focussed team and we are seeking candidates with a strong values alignment, i.e., a shared interest in understanding and mitigating climate risk.  Information about Climate Risk is available here: https://www.climaterisk.com.au/. 

The research is grounded in a more-than-disciplinary context, i.e., seeking to understand and communicate climate risk for the purpose of mitigating risks to human populations.  This recent story on ABC Online on ‘The rise of red zones of risk’ is helpful for learning more about the research: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-23/the-suburbs-facing-rising-insurance-costs-from-climate-risk/11624108?nw=0. 

We strongly encourage applications from students of diverse backgrounds, inclusive of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, ability, sexuality, and gender. 

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. 

For more information and to apply: Dr Liam Phelan, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle.  +61 (0)2 4921 6464, Liam.Phelan@newcastle.edu.au.