Real-Time Behavioural Dynamics in Microscopic Populations with Noisy Signalling

School of Engineering, University of Warwick

Application deadline: 30 April 2018 for guaranteed consideration; later applications will be considered if the position is not filled

Start date: 01 October 2018 (flexible)

Project start date: 01 October 2018

Duration: 3 years

The project:

Signals are regularly transmitted within and between individual cells and organisms. These signals undergo noisy propagation and reach receivers that have limited computational complexity. Nevertheless, they modulate complex behaviours such as antibiotic resistance, cancerous tumour growth, and cell differentiation.

The objective of this PhD project is to develop theoretical and simulation models to understand how noisy signalling controls the behaviour of microorganisms. A game theoretic framework will model the interactive decision making between individual microorganisms. Molecular communication engineering, which is an emerging field that applies communications engineering techniques to chemical signalling, will model the signal propagation and signal processing. By integrating these two fields, insight will be gained into the detection and treatment of cellular diseases. Results will be supported by experimental research collaborations.

Eligibility: Candidates must have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physical biology, physical chemistry, or a closely-related field. Interdisciplinary knowledge is preferred but not required.