Two PhDs in Methodology and Statistics: The next generation of structural equation modelling tools

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Two PhDs in Methodology and Statistics: The next generation of structural equation modelling tools

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Job description

Offer DescriptionProject description
We are looking for two talented and ambitious PhD candidates in methodology and statistics as part of the NWO-funded VICI project “Towards personalized multi-disciplinary treatment plans: The next generation of structural equation modelling tools” (SEM2.0).Background
Non-observable constructs such as personality, intelligence, and well-being are at the core of research on human behaviour and cognition. Latent variable methods (e.g., factor analysis, structural equation modelling) are therefore an indispensable tool for research in the social and behavioural sciences. These methods are known to work well when the number of parameters to estimate is relatively small compared to the sample size: This is when the number of variables is small and the models are not too complex. However, two aspects of modern research practices challenge these conditions and cause existing methods to fall short: (1) a trend to use intensive collections of data (“Big Data”) and (2) the call for person-centric models.The SEM2.0 project develops the next generation of structural equation models, suitable for working with highly complex data problems. It builds on a strong modelling framework that explicitly includes the latent variables and avoids the ill-conditioned problem of inverting covariance matrices. Furthermore, alternating optimization and parallel computing methods will be used to obtain powerful and scalable algorithms that have good convergence properties. This makes them effective for the analysis of (big) data. By adding regularizing constraints the method will account for simple structure, the presence of joint and specific latent variables in multidomain data, alignment in multigroup and longitudinal data, and the need for personalization of the measurement and/or structural model. Regularization is a powerful tool to add structure to the data analysis and to avoid overfitting in highly complex models. In collaboration with health- and well-being researchers, large collections of data resulting from two empirical studies will be analyzed to develop methods and software that can and will be used by many researchers.The first PhD project focuses on developing and validating the next generation of structural equation models for binary data and fits in the framework of item factor analysis and multidimensional IRT models; the second PhD project focuses on the development and validation of SEM methods for out-of-sample prediction.Your position
The PhD position is integral to a broader research initiative, which includes other PhD students and staff members. Regular meetings with the supervisor will be scheduled to review and discuss the project’s advancement. The department fosters an open working culture, emphasizing mutual respect and appreciation among its members.Your responsibilities

• Your research work includes literature reviews, developing and extending statistical methodologies, analyzing theoretical & practical properties, conducting simulations, analyzing empirical data, and writing software.
• You will prepare scientific articles to be published in international journals, present key findings at national and international scientific conferences, and write a dissertation.
• You will actively participate in the Department of Methodology and Statistics.
• You will contribute to Open Science and Team Science.
• You will contribute to education and supervision (e.g. supervising bachelor’s theses and research skills groups)

RequirementsSpecific RequirementsYour background
We are looking for a strong PhD candidate with a relevant (Research) Master’s degree with a background in applied/mathematical statistics, machine learning, sociometrics, econometrics, or the like, and a strong interest in computational statistics. Candidates with a social science degree with very strong quantitative skills can also apply. The degree should be completed or almost completed. Other requirements include:

• Interest in conducting high-quality research
• Interest in developing and applying advanced statistical methods
• Creative thinker
• Programming skills (e.g., R, Python, Matlab, or others).
• Research skills and data analytical abilities, including knowledge of computational statistics.
• Communication and cooperation skills and the willingness to work in a team
• Project management and organization skills
• Interest in open science and team science
• Proficiency in English (Dutch is an asset but not necessary)
• Interest in providing small-scale education, such as teaching working groups or bachelor thesis supervision

Increasing your value
With us, you will find everything you need to maximize your potential and development. We offer excellent facilities and support for research, education, and making societal impact. In all three of these areas, we “recognize and reward” you in line with national university aspirations. With great opportunities such as collaborating in an academic collaborative center, or participating in our Connected Leading program. We attach great importance to team spirit and have a clear, shared vision of (personal) leadership (Connected Leading). Read more about careers at Tilburg University and personal development .Additional InformationBenefitsYour valuable contribution will be rewarded with attractive and sufficient attention to work-life balance. Our offer includes:

• A position based on 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
• This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3, paragraph 5 of the CLA for Dutch Universities. You will be given a temporary employment contract for the duration of 12 months. After this period, in case of proven suitability and continuation in the same position, you will receive a subsequent employment contract that can be extended to a maximum duration of 48 months.
• A salary ranging from a minimum of € 2,770 to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month for full time employment, based on UFO profile PhD and salary scale PR of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

In addition to your monthly salary, you will receive 41 vacation days (for a 40-hour work week), a holiday allowance (8%), and a year-end bonus (8.3%). We reimburse the full cost of sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, or public transportation. We have a moving expenses scheme that makes it attractive to live close to the university. You will be enrolled in the ABP pension fund through us. Our Options Model allows you to choose from a variety of facilities at a tax advantage. You can work in a hybrid manner: on campus and, for a reimbursement, from home. Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance of 30% of their taxable salary if they meet the relevant conditions. The university applies for this allowance on their behalf.Your work environment
You will work in a pleasant working environment; a green campus with plenty of facilities. At a leading, entrepreneurial, and innovative university in the humanities and social sciences. The university employs 2,400 staff members and hosts 20,000 students of some 100 different nationalities. For nearly a century, this organization has worked together with a tradition aimed at contributing to society. We strive to be a community where differences in age, gender, orientation, and cultural and religious backgrounds are valued, with equal opportunities for colleagues and students and where, moreover, all decisions take into account the importance of preserving the Earth for future generations.
Read more about the university .Selection processThe first round of interviews is expected to take place in the week of April 29, 2024.The PhD project will start on September 1, 2024.The selection committee consists of the following members of the Department of Methodology and Statistics: * Dr. Katrijn Van Deun

• Dr. Wilco Emons
• Dr. Zsuzsa Bakk

Additional commentsHow can you apply?
Would you like to join us with your valuable input? Then apply online by April 18, 2024. Address your cover letter to Dr. Katrijn Van Deun.Your application should include: * Letter of motivation, including research area/topics of interest

• Curriculum vitae
• List of grades (transcripts)
• A sample of your academic writing (e.g. bachelor/master thesis, paper). If you are currently working on your master thesis, feel free to submit your thesis draft.

For more information about this position, feel free to email Katrijn Van Deun: . Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 2 Company/Institute Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Country Netherlands City Tilburg Postal Code 5037 AB Street Warandelaan 2 GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityTilburg WebsiteStreetWarandelaan 2 Postal Code5037 ABSTATUS: EXPIRED

Expected salary

€2770 per month

Location

Tilburg, Noord-Brabant

Job date

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:21:18 GMT

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