Organisation/Company: Swansea University
Department: Central Research
Field: Mathematics » Other
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Country: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 24 Feb 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Flocks of birds, schools of fish, swarms of insects, and coordinated cell migration are among the most fascinating examples of collective behaviour observed in nature. These behaviours are underpinned by mathematical principles - many of which remain mysterious. They often arise from long-range interactions between individuals that can be effectively described by nonlocal mathematical models. This class of models has proven successful in capturing interactions in a wide range of biological systems, from cell-cell communication to animal group behaviour. However, our analytical understanding of these models remains limited.
This fully funded PhD Scholarship will focus on bifurcation structures in nonlocal advection-diffusion models, with the aim of advancing our understanding of these systems. The project will use a combination of analytical techniques and numerical methods to explore how such models can provide new insights into collective phenomena. The research is expected to have broad implications, offering advances in mathematical theory as well as applications in fields such as spatial ecology, developmental biology, and cancer research.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research group in Mathematical Biology at Swansea University. This unique environment offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing area of research bridging mathematics and biology, with the potential to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations and inspire future experimental studies.
Minimum Requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or a Swansea recognised equivalent.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours or an overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours.
OR a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).
Additional Information
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.
Scholarship open to UK and international fee eligible applicants.
The candidate should be a highly motivated individual who is keen to develop their skills in both mathematical theory and its application to real biological problems. A strong academic background in mathematics, physics, or a related field, with a keen interest in the application of mathematical models to biological systems is essential. A solid understanding of mathematical concepts such as differential equations, bifurcation theory, and dynamical systems is desirable. Experience with numerical methods and computational tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python or similar) is also an advantage.
Selection Process
Please see our website for more information.
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