Our interdisciplinary team builds mathematical theories to understand the remarkable processes that allow single-cell embryos to develop into complex animal forms.
Lead supervisor: Dr Tom Hiscock
Second supervisor: Prof Stefan Hoppler
Contact for informal enquiries: [Email Address Removed]
Lab website: https://twhiscock.github.io/
PROJECT
The overall aim of the lab is to understand the developmental mechanisms by which organisms and organs self-organize – i.e. build themselves – forming complex structures of a certain shape, size and pattern. By combining mathematical modelling, quantitative data analysis and close collaborations with experimentalists, we formulate mathematical theories of development that explain how tissues break symmetry, generate patterns and undergo morphogenesis. We draw on ideas from many disciplines, including physics and mathematics, as well as developing our own theories and approaches.
A major aim of this project is to build more realistic models of biological signalling pathways to understand one of the earliest events in embryonic development: anterior-posterior (i.e. head-tail) patterning. This addresses a fundamental question in developmental biology that remains unanswered: why/how do animals develop only one head (why not 2, or 3)?
During the PhD, students will not only gain expertise in the computational analysis of biological systems, but they will also be encouraged to define and explore their own research questions.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
We are seeking a talented, creative and friendly individual to join our interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate must have an interest and curiosity in understanding how embryos develop, although no formal training in developmental biology is required. As the project will be entirely computational, candidates should have strong quantitative skills including proficiency in coding (e.g. in MATLAB/R/Python). Undergraduates from quantitative disciplines (e.g. physics, maths, engineering, computational biology) will be particularly well-suited, although applications will be considered from talented and motivated individuals regardless of undergraduate training.
DETAILS
The studentship is open to UK/EU nationals, and is fully funded for 4 years (including stipend). For UK nationals, the starting date is flexible. For EU nationals, the applicant must begin the studentship before 31st July 2021. The successful candidate will be embedded within the strong developmental biology hub at the Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, and will benefit from its supportive, stimulating and collaborative academic environment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please contact Dr Hiscock ([Email Address Removed]) informally before applying online.
Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct person for processing.
NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE ON THE APPLICATION FORM.
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