*EPSRC* Massively Parallel Phylogeny Reconstruction for the Age of DNA Big Data

Please follow the instructions on how to apply http://www.ed.ac.uk/biology/prospective-students/postgraduate/pgr/how-to-apply

How are species related? This question, of fundamental importance across life sciences, can in principle be addressed using DNA sequence data. Implicit in these data is the pattern of relationships of the species the DNA came from, known as their phylogeny, usually represented as a tree. However, algorithms and software to reconstruct phylogenetic trees for very large input are lagging behind the recent explosion in availability of DNA sequence data.

The goal of this project is to create parallel algorithms and open-source software for reconstructing large phylogenies by heuristic searches suited to very large data.

The project will use theoretical and computational approaches. These will include use and characterisation of nature-inspired advanced heuristics (e.g. Strobl and Barker 2016), programming and use of massively parallel computer systems, optimisation of algorithms and implementations, and cross-site, distributed machine learning techniques.

Research training will be provided through various means, including meetings with the supervisors and with Dr Martyn Winn (STFC Scientific Computing Department), attendance at short courses and conferences, and attendance at local and regional seminars and discussion groups.

It is anticipated the successful candidate would gain valuable skills and insight for subsequent employment in computational science or life sciences, in academia or industry.

Further information can be found here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/biology/people/profile/dbarker