EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling

Interested in programming and computer simulation? Like to put code together? Do you know best practice research software engineering techniques such as version control, testing and reproducible computation, or would like to learn about them?

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Next Generation Computational Modelling (NGCM) brings together scientists and engineers with a keen interest in programming and computer simulations, usually with undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science.

During the first taught year, you will learn how to write Python and C code, how to optimise sequential code for readability, robustness and performance, and write parallel code using OpenMP and MPI. Simultaneously, you will learn the basics of important simulation techniques including ab-initio, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, finite elements, agent-based models and stochastic differential equations.

This is complemented with training in statistics, numerical methods, and additional professional skills training, including creation of webpages, use of virtual machines, version control, use of linux clusters and the national supercomputer ARCHER. Training during our annual NGCM Summer Academy is available on visualisation, large data processing, programming of accelerators, cloud computing, and more.

Together with our industrial partners, the CDT offers a range of research projects ranging from fundamental physics and chemistry to applied engineering, in which you will push forward the boundaries of knowledge together with internationally leading experts. Conference attendance and publications are expected and supported; a travel budget is provided. A placement in industry is possible.

We have 15 fully funded studentships available per year, at least 8 of these for projects that are available for all students from the European Union. All our students are provided with a Mac Book Air laptop for the 4-year programme, and a powerful PC workstation for the 3 years of full time research, and have access to the Southampton Supercomputer Iridis and the national Supercomputer ARCHER.

The NGCM CDT is at the forefront of development of state-of-the-art computational modelling methods, and their application to real world science and engineering problems. In particular, we focus on training and improving best practice in research software engineering, development of new simulation methods and exploitation of latest parallel hardware for computation. Interdisciplinary team work, communication and teaching skills are valued and developed as part of our programme, which produces the next generation of research leaders in academia and industry.