EPSRC DTP PhD studentship in Healing and harm: modelling the relation between cell motion and environmental topography

Healing and harm: modelling the relation between cell motion and environmental topography

This exciting proposal will revolutionize our understanding of cellular motion and its profound implications for health. The project merges cutting-edge mathematics with groundbreaking biology to ignite new research areas and support discipline health. 

In collaboration with experimentalists at the University of Reading we seek to build on their new cellular movement data by constructing a sophisticated mechanical model to decode the intricate motion of cells during muscle healing and cancer metastasis. Namely, to perform their healing and harming functions cells must move to target locations. The exhibited movement is known as blebbing, whereby cells produce rounded membrane blisters that allows cells to move through their extensions and retractions. 

Currently, most work on cell motion ignores environmental complexity as experiments extract cells and place them on flat plates, or gels, which do not match the complicated heterogeneous environments that cells naturally contend with. Our collaborators have a novel experimental system that allows them to extract movement features from cells in their natural tissue environments. 

Our model will combine in new ways (i) three-dimensional solid mechanics to model cellular forces, (ii) stochastic differential equations that define bleb expansion and movement features and (iii) level set techniques that will allow us to flexibly define general three-dimensional geometries. Critically, the framework will not just be theoretical as it will be parameterised using experimental data and, thus it will be applied to aid our understanding of how to speed healing up and slow cancer spread. 

What we offer:

Cardiff’s School of Mathematics provides an excellent postgraduate research environment including:

·    research facilities at Abacws (co-designed by our PGR community),

·    a vibrant research culture including a wide range of research events,

·    access to national course centres in mathematics, statistics and OR,

·    comprehensive professional skills training offered by Cardiff’s Doctoral Academy.

The PGR community is very active in running the SIAM-IMA Student Chapter, a valuable forum for exchange of ideas and public engagement.

This studentship will be undertaken within the Applied and Computational Mathematics research group at the School of Mathematics. The group’s members have wide-ranging interests, and offer a dynamic environment for the student to engage with experts in mathematical analysis and many connected fields. The group hosts a weekly seminar inviting external speakers.

Completing a PhD in mathematics opens up a range of possible next steps, from continuing an academic career to working in mathematically technical roles in industry.

The 3.5 year studentship includes fees, stipend at the UKRI rate and a Research Training Support Grant to cover costs such as research consumables, training, conferences and travel.

The possible entry dates for the PhD studentship are 1 January 2025 or 1 April 2025.

What you bring:

You should have a 1st or upper 2nd class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) and/or a Master’s degree in mathematics or a suitable related subject.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate their proficiency by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each skills component – or equivalent qualification.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive research environment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply through the Cardiff University online PhD application portal for a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics with an entry point of 1 January 2025 or 1 April 2025.

In addition to the standard application form, applicants should also:

· Attach a CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website .

· Ensure your personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer) provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project.

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:

1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition?

2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)

3. Why do you think this project is important?

For general information about EPSRC-funded studentships at Cardiff, please see https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/funding/research-councils/epsrc-studentships .