About the Project
Vacancy Information
UCL’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is offering a three (3) year studentship in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at UCL, focusing on the multiscale modelling of atherosclerosis
The studentship is funded by the EPSRC through the UCL Institute for Healthcare Engineering and offers full tuition fees and a stipend of £16,057 per annum (for 3 years).
Studentship Description
There are many challenges to models of atherosclerosis, starting by the fact that these must be ‘multiscale’: they must be able to capture some of the key mechanisms at different levels of biological organisation and to integrate them into a single, unified mathematical model.
In this study, a model of atherosclerosis will be assessed. In-vitro and in-vivo data from pre-clinical studies of a knockout mice population (from an experimental group in Clinical Pharmacology at UCL) will inform a mathematical model of atherosclerosis in order that will be used to understand biology and from a mathematical point of view, ‘how good’ the model is.
This project relies on al already existing model of atherosclerosis to be expanded and refined, developed within UCL Mechanical Engineering. Significant training and support is offered by the group to make this project a real success.
Person Specification
We are looking for excellent graduates from a number of disciplines: chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, bioengineering or biomedical engineering, medical physics, applied mathematicians. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, creativity, good programming skills, will have excellent numerical and mathematical skills and will be absolutely passionate about biology and/or medicine. This is a PhD that will make a difference.
Experience with Matlab is required. Previous experience with:(1) modelling of chemical or biological problems; (2) solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) will be a plus but is not necessary (training will be provided).
The student is expected to continue developing an already existing model of atherosclerosis and to interact with both, the experimental and modelling teams to conduct computational analyses and simulations of a finely validated (pre-clinical) model of atherosclerosis. A driven and results oriented person with strong interpersonal and communication skills is needed for the project. Additional support in terms of the modelling will be provided.
The successful applicant will be part of a highly enthusiastic and interdisciplinary team, with an outstanding record of training and mentoring PhD students and young researchers. The host will be the ‘Multiscale Cardiovascular Engineering’ group in UCL (www.ucl.ac.uk/muse) which is internationally recognised by the development of unique models and in-silico tools for multiscale cardiovascular problems.
Eligibility
A 1st class or high upper 2nd class degree, or MSc with merit or distinction is required.
Formal applications should be made via http:www.prism.ucl.ac.uk. Informal applications can be made by send a copy of your CV, a letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project to Dr. Vanessa
Diaz ([Email Address Removed]).
Contact name: Vanessa Diaz
Contact details: [Email Address Removed]
UCL Taking Action for Equality
Closing Date: 31 Aug 2016
Interview date: TBC
Studentship Start Date: TBC
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