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Western University is offering up to four fully funded PhD positions in the areas of climate risk and banking analytics, with a focus on incorporating climate variables into financial risk assessment and developing advanced machine learning models for credit risk. The research will leverage alternative data sources, econometric models, deep learning, and stochastic control techniques to address challenges in financial risk management, credit risk, and financial stability. Projects are conducted in partnership with major banks, pension funds, data vendors, and regulatory bodies, providing students with direct industry access and unique datasets. The successful candidates will work at the intersection of statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, economics, and finance, developing new analytical and computational frameworks for risk assessment. Research topics include network-based stress testing, robust optimization, individualized pricing strategies, and the integration of climate scenario projections into financial models. The program is designed for students with strong quantitative and programming skills, particularly in Python and modern data tools. Applicants must have a Master's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, operations research, computer science, economics, or mathematical finance. Direct PhD entry is possible for exceptional candidates with an Honours Bachelor's degree and a high academic average. Two strong recommendation letters are required, and applicants should mention GRE scores if available. The program values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals worldwide. Funding is fully guaranteed for four years, with a minimum annual stipend of CAD $30,000, plus additional support for conferences and research travel. Funding packages may include scholarships, fellowships, and part-time employment. Tuition and ancillary fees are expected to be paid each semester, with financial support distributed throughout the term. To apply, candidates should submit their CV, academic transcripts, and reference letters by January 31, 2026, through Western University's graduate portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February 2026, and final acceptance will be determined by the Graduate Affairs Committee. For more information, applicants can visit the program and lab websites or contact the listed supervisors. One additional co-supervised position is available at the University of Southampton in the UK. Keywords: climate risk, banking analytics, credit risk, deep learning, financial risk assessment, machine learning, econometrics, stochastic control, statistics, applied mathematics.

Western University in Canada is offering several fully funded PhD positions in the areas of Climate Risk, Banking Analytics, Credit Risk, and Advanced Machine Learning. These positions are part of the Banking Analytics Lab and Statistical and Actuarial Sciences department, with strong industry collaboration and access to unique datasets and high-performance computing resources. The research focus includes integrating climate variables and scenario projections into financial risk models, developing multimodal deep learning approaches for credit risk, and advancing methods in financial stability and risk assessment. Projects will leverage alternative data sources, network-based stress testing, and robust optimization techniques, with direct applications in banking, finance, and regulation. Successful candidates will conduct research at the intersection of applied probability, econometrics, machine learning, statistics, stochastic control, and banking. The work involves developing deep learning models and network-based stress testing tools, assessing risk propagation and financial contagion, and integrating climate scenario projections into financial risk assessment for institutional investing and regulatory stress testing. The program offers direct collaboration opportunities with major banks, pension funds, data vendors, and regulatory bodies, as well as annual funds for conference travel and research expenses. Applicants must have a Master's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, operations research, computer science, economics, applied mathematics, or mathematical finance. Strong quantitative and programming skills are required, with experience in Python and modern data science tools considered a strong plus. Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated interest in banking, financial, or mathematical finance applications are essential. The program requires maintaining a minimum 'B' average, passing qualifying and comprehensive exams, and successfully defending a thesis proposal. The funding package guarantees a minimum annual stipend of CAD $30,000 for four years, with additional support for research and travel. Tuition and ancillary fees are to be paid each semester, and financial support is distributed throughout the semester. The positions are open to applicants worldwide, and the lab values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. To apply, candidates should submit a CV, academic transcripts, and reference letters via Western University's graduate portal by January 31, 2026. GRE scores should be mentioned if available. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February 2026. For more information, applicants can contact the supervisors, Prof. Cristián Bravo ([email protected]) for banking analytics and Prof. Ankush Agarwal ([email protected]) for climate risk, or visit the program website for further details.