Doctoral research positions available in mathematical sciences and its applications

SAMBa (the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistical Applied Mathematics), at the University of Bath, offers a 4-year PhD programme, including initial training to develop breadth of knowledge and research skills.

SAMBa students receive training and carry our research across statistics, mathematical modelling (deterministic and probabilistic) and numerical methods. SAMBa currently has a vibrant cohort of 85 students carrying out research in areas including:

• inverse problems
• numerical methods
• optimisation
• Monte Carlo methods
• spatio-temporal statistical modelling
• asymptotic analysis
• stochastic processes on graphs and networks
• mathematical and statisical physics
• fluid mechanics
• mathematical machine learning
• interacting particle systems
• dynamical systems

The department has significant expertise in mathematical machine learning and there will be opportunities to receive training in this area.

Topics range from problems which are industrially motivated, to more abstract problems. Application and industrial areas include:

• healthcare
• epidemiology
• biology
• environment and natural hazards
• energy and transportation
• materials imaging and spectroscopy.

SAMBa offers fully-funded studentships starting in October each year. Applications for 2024 are now open..

The department of Mathematical Sciences at Bath provides an excellent research environment (98% of research outputs ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021), and the SAMBa cohort offers invaluable peer support.

The initial phase of SAMBa consists of courses, projects and symposia tailored to the individual student, together with Integrative Think Tanks (ITTs). ITTs are intensive, week-long events where students work in collaboration with academics and industrialists to synthesise relevant mathematical formulations for solving industrial and cross-disciplinary problems.

Students can either pursue an industry co-designed PhD project developed from an ITT, or a project formulated with an academic supervisor during the training phase. All students will work intensively on PhD research in years 2-4. Graduates from SAMBa will be ready to work in leading academic and industrial roles, collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds, and communicating effectively to both experts and nonexperts.

Further details about the current programme can be found here.

To find out if your application is likely to result in an interview, please send an expression of interest to the Centre Coordinator, Lou Adkin, at samba@bath.ac.uk

Your expression of interest should include:

• a short statement (250 words) explaining your motivation for applying to SAMBa
• a 2-page CV which includes your academic and work experience, your nationality and country of residence (for the past three years, not including full-time education)
• scans of your academic transcript(s)
• whether you are interested in any of the industry co-designed projects outlined on our Programme page
• information on where you heard about SAMBa

Expressions of interest will be reviewed rapidly, and promising candidates will be invited to make a formal application.

To apply formally to SAMBa, follow the process through our Doctoral College.

The formal application will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited to an interview, after which a final admission decision is made.

Successful applicants will hold, or will be expecting, a first or high upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, or in a subject with substantial mathematical content.

We are passionate about maintaining a diverse cohort of PhD candidates in SAMBa and believe a variety of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds is an essential component in delivering a more inclusive, supportive, and creative environment for all.

More details are available on our website.

As we have a limited number of places, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

Find out more about our Integrative Think Tanks