Overview
EPSRC-funded PhD Studentships focussed on the mathematical, computational and experimental modelling of microbial evolution: Understanding Treatment Regimens that Select Against the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance.
About the award
The Mathematical Biosciences group in Biosciences (Streatham Campus, Exeter) at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter are able to offer two EPSRC-funded positions on their PhD programme to carry out research into the systems biology of antibiotic use, supervised by Professor Robert Beardmore.
The question of what can be done to counter the ability of microbes and bacteria to evolve and so resist treatment with antibiotics is perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing medical science. New discoveries of antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action are rare, so in these projects we will seek to address the question of how best to utilise the antibiotic resources already in our possession.
The candidate will join a unique team of mathematicians and experimental biologists at Exeter whose main research tasks will be the development of theoretical models of antibiotic use. Mathematical models will be calibrated against data from laboratory-based microcosms where a range of bacterial pathogens will be challenged with different antibiotic classes. It is our aim to predict and then control the evolution of resistance to those classes.
A wide range of theoretical techniques will be needed to carry out such a project. From video processing, the theory of dynamical systems and stochastic processes, PDEs, the implementation of computational and simulation algorithms in C or Matlab, to programming experimental robots and using microfluidic devices. The ideal candidate will be open to using different techniques and to communicating with collaborating scientists from around the world.
The studentship will cover UK/EU tuition fees for at least three years, plus an annual Research Council maintenance grant for at least three years. In 2011/12 the maintenance grant will be £13,590 (non-taxable).
Entry requirements: A strong first degree (at least an Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science) or MSc in a quantitative subject. A biological background is not necessary, a keen interest in biology is essential.
If you have not always lived in the UK refer to EPSRC guidelines for guidance, however do note that these positions are open to both UK and EU applicants for full awards.
How to apply
In order to apply you will need to complete an online web form, where you must submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.
Application deadline: 27th February 2011
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Beardmore (r.e.beardmore@exeter.ac.uk)
If you have any other enquiries about eligibility, or other administrative enquiries, please contact cles-studentships@exeter.ac.uk
Please quote Scholarization.blogspot.com on your application when applying for this scholarship
EPSRC-funded PhD Studentships focussed on the mathematical, computational and experimental modelling of microbial evolution: Understanding Treatment Regimens that Select Against the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance.
About the award
The Mathematical Biosciences group in Biosciences (Streatham Campus, Exeter) at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter are able to offer two EPSRC-funded positions on their PhD programme to carry out research into the systems biology of antibiotic use, supervised by Professor Robert Beardmore.
The question of what can be done to counter the ability of microbes and bacteria to evolve and so resist treatment with antibiotics is perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing medical science. New discoveries of antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action are rare, so in these projects we will seek to address the question of how best to utilise the antibiotic resources already in our possession.
The candidate will join a unique team of mathematicians and experimental biologists at Exeter whose main research tasks will be the development of theoretical models of antibiotic use. Mathematical models will be calibrated against data from laboratory-based microcosms where a range of bacterial pathogens will be challenged with different antibiotic classes. It is our aim to predict and then control the evolution of resistance to those classes.
A wide range of theoretical techniques will be needed to carry out such a project. From video processing, the theory of dynamical systems and stochastic processes, PDEs, the implementation of computational and simulation algorithms in C or Matlab, to programming experimental robots and using microfluidic devices. The ideal candidate will be open to using different techniques and to communicating with collaborating scientists from around the world.
The studentship will cover UK/EU tuition fees for at least three years, plus an annual Research Council maintenance grant for at least three years. In 2011/12 the maintenance grant will be £13,590 (non-taxable).
Entry requirements: A strong first degree (at least an Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science) or MSc in a quantitative subject. A biological background is not necessary, a keen interest in biology is essential.
If you have not always lived in the UK refer to EPSRC guidelines for guidance, however do note that these positions are open to both UK and EU applicants for full awards.
How to apply
In order to apply you will need to complete an online web form, where you must submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.
Application deadline: 27th February 2011
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Beardmore (r.e.beardmore@exeter.ac.uk)
If you have any other enquiries about eligibility, or other administrative enquiries, please contact cles-studentships@exeter.ac.uk
Please quote Scholarization.blogspot.com on your application when applying for this scholarship
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