Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Mathematical Biology & Evolutionary Dynamics

We are delighted to offer a fully funded PhD project and applications are invited from strongly motivated and academically excellent candidates for fully funded PhD study in Mathematical Biology & Evolutionary Dynamics, within these strategic priority Research areas:

<p><strong>Population dynamics, evolutionary modelling, theoretical ecology, and sensory perception: <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4019/dr-mike-evans-">Dr Mike Evans</a></strong>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4057/professor-richard-mann"><strong>Professor Richard Mann</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4064/professor-mauro-mobilia"><strong>Professor Mauro Mobilia</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4074/professor-daniel-read"><strong>Professor Daniel Read</strong></a></p> <p>We are interested in developing mathematical and computational tools to understand the mechanisms allowing the maintenance of coexistence in many-body systems, fixation of specific traits, emergence of complex patterns, and sensing of the external world, from bacteria up to large-scale patterns in ecological systems, from molecular level to collective human and animal behaviour. Several fields of Mathematics and Physics provide rigorous methods and powerful tools which can be fruitfully applied to understand such challenging problems. These include stochastic processes, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, evolutionary game theory, finite-size scaling, Bayesian methods, machine-learning and agent-based models.</p> <p><strong>Mathematical immunology, virology, and epidemiology:</strong> <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/11895/dr-tyler-cassidy"><strong>Dr Tyler Cassidy</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4054/dr-martin-lopez-garcia"><strong>Dr Martín López-García</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4055/professor-grant-lythe"><strong>Professor Grant Lythe</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/11896/dr-francesca-scarabel">Dr Francesca Scarabel</a></strong></p> <p>We develop mathematical models of infection across scales (intra-cellular, within-host and population level). The aim is to use different mathematical tools (differential equations, probability theory, stochastic processes, Bayesian statistical methods) to shed light on infection dynamics (intra-cellular infection, within-host immune response, infection transmission across individuals), as well as to quantify the impact of treatments (e.g. antivirals, antibiotics) and mitigations (e.g. ventilation, mask-wearing, social distancing, etc.) both at the individual and population levels. To do this, we work closely with experimental collaborators (biologists, virologists, immunologists) and non-academic partners (e.g., Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, UK Department for Transport).</p> <p><strong>A list of related PhD projects in this area:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Time-since-infection models in public health</li> <li>Approximation of solutions of initial value problems for delay equations</li> <li>Mechanistic modelling of treatment resistance in cancer</li> <li>Opinion dynamics of rational agents</li> <li>Evolution of cooperative resistance in microbial populations subject to fluctuating environments</li> <li>Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Populations in Fluctuating Environments </li> <li>Social Dynamics and Emergence of Collective Behaviour </li> <li>Modelling Biodiversity and Pattern Formation with Evolutionary Games </li> <li>Evolutionary game theory of scarce resources</li> </ul>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences </strong>and<strong> </strong></em>in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Mathematical Biology & Evolutionary Dynamics. </strong></em>Please include the name of your preferred supervisor as listed. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Applied Mathematics.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 28 February 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><em><strong>Important:</strong></em> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>Please contact individual supervisors listed for information about projects.</p>