Mathematical Models for Bacterial Infection Dynamics: Addressing the fundamental questions about the population dynamics of bacterial pathogens

Bacterial infections are posing increasing threats to animal and human health due to the global rise in antimicrobial resistance. In the absence of new classes of drugs, we need to find new ways to outsmart bacterial pathogens. As a pre-requisite, which surprisingly has not been met, it is essential to achieve detailed understanding of the dynamics of infection inside the host. Yet, estimating basic parameters such as the division rates of bacterial clones, are surprisingly difficult to measure in vivo. For the last 10 years, our Department has led the way in the integration of experimental, mathematical and statistical models to address these fundamental questions about the population dynamics of bacterial pathogens. As I’m developing international collaborations with leading microbiologists on several experimental systems, I am seeking to recruit a student who can work at the interface of mathematics and biology and carry out original and insightful analyses.
Because of the inter-disciplinary nature of the work, training will be provided to complement the student’s existing skills, especially in advanced techniques for statistical and computational modelling. I am equally interested in applications from students with majors in natural sciences or applied mathematics, provided they already have some training or research experience outside of their main area.

How to apply:
Contact the Supervisor to discuss before submitting an application.

More details on how to apply here: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/grad/Prospectivestudents/apply