About the Project
Funding:
Professor Matthew Simpson, School of Mathematical Sciences,
Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Application: Close October 31, 2018.
Project Description: We are seeking a PhD student to work in my research group (http://mj-simpson.com/phd.html) in conjunction with Dr Pascal Buenzli on a project involving the use of stochastic models in biophysics.
The project will involve the development, analysis and numerical simulation of novel stochastic models of cell biology processes. Focusing on the area of mechanobiology (cell and tissue mechanics), we will develop stochastic models of populations of individual cells where the main cell-level processes involve cell migration, cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion. The particular focus of the project will be to incorporate simple but realistic descriptions of subcellular signalling pathways, such as Rac-Rho pathway signalling, that links cellular-level morphology and mechanics to cell behaviour. Our goal will be to develop new computational tools that re-create known biological phenomena and to analyse those tools computational and stochastic tools to produce new, more formal mathematical descriptions of those stochastic processes. The project will involve model development, developing and applying computational stochastic models to problems from the life sciences, numerical simulation of stochastic models, and the derivation of novel continuum-limit descriptions of those models.
The successful applicant will be based in the School of Mathematical Sciences (https://www.qut.edu.au/science-engineering/our-schools/school-of-mathematical-sciences) at QUT. The applicant will join other PhD candidates in my research group who are working on related projects in mathematical biology.
Applications: Applicants should hold a first class Honours degree or equivalent (such as a Master’s degree) in applied mathematics, physics or engineering. Strong academic performance, excellent written communication skills, and expertise in computational techniques (FORTRAN, C++, MATLAB) are essential. Training in implementing numerical methods for solving partial differential equations is essential.
The applicant must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at Queensland University of Technology (https://www.qut.edu.au/study/courses/doctor-of-philosophy/doctor-of-philosophy-science-engineering). A scholarship, indexed annually (approximately AU$27,082pa in 2018) is available. The scholarship is tax exempt for full-time students, and is to support living costs for up to 3 years for doctoral students.
Contact: For further information please contact Professor Matthew Simpson, [Email Address Removed]
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