PhD Studentships in Mathematical, Computational and Experimental Modelling of Microbial Evolution, UK

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, UK

Study Subject: Biosciences

Employer: University of Exeter

Level: PhD

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. Ideas for two typical projects may be found here.

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. 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).Please see the EPSRC Studentships web page for further details. 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.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 27 February 2011

source: http://infoscholarship.net