Modelling drivers of competition and coexistence in evolutionary dynamics – with applications to SARS-CoV-2
Description
About the Project:
Evolutionary dynamics play a vital role in the dynamics of many diseases, ranging from infectious diseases like COVID-19, to non-communicable diseases such as cancer. Working with a supervisory team that spans both University of Liverpool and UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England), this position aims to improve our theoretical understanding of evolutionary dynamics and how these can be applied to real-world healthcare challenges. In addition to academic research, this position will allow the candidate to work closely with the Infectious Disease Modelling Team at UKHSA, providing insight into how mathematics is used within the civil service.
There are three key goals within this project. Firstly, we aim to further understanding of the influence of population structure (how individuals in a population interact and compete) affects the strength of natural selection. Secondly, we will explore the relationship between theoretical models and real-world systems, identifying how model parameters translate to real-world dynamics. Thirdly, we will apply our theory and models to the real-world system of COVID-19 Variants of Concern, using data from UKHSA.
The project will use a range of mathematical techniques, including stochastic models, differential equations, Taylor series, asymptotic analysis, and Bayesian statistics. The student will also gain experience working with healthcare data and coding skills, either in R, Matlab, Python, or Julia.
The student will be based in the Mathematical Sciences department, which has over 60 current PhD students. Within this department, there are three Lecturers working in Infectious Disease Modelling, alongside 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher, providing a collegiate environment for the student. The team at UKHSA consists of 13 permanent staff (comprising Modellers and Data Scientists), who will work closely with the student. There is also scope for collaboration with colleagues in IVES at University of Liverpool or Mathematics at University of Manchester.
The primary supervisor is Dr. Christopher Overton, Lecturer in Mathematics for Healthcare at University of Liverpool and Principal Infectious Disease Modeller at UKHSA. The secondary supervisor is Professor Kieran Sharkey, Professor of Applied Mathematics at University of Liverpool. The third supervisor is Dr. Robert Paton, Senior Infectious Disease Modeller at UKHSA.
Start Date: 1st October 2023
Further Details:
This PhD project is funded by The Faculty of Science & Engineering at The University of Liverpool and will start on 1st October 2023.
Successful candidates who meet the University of Liverpool eligibility criteria will be awarded a Faculty of Science & Engineering studentship for 3.5 years, covering UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend (e.g. £17,688 p.a. for 2022-23).
Faculty of Science & Engineering students benefit from bespoke graduate training and £5,000 for training, travel and conferences.
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience. Our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience. Students must complete a personal statement profoma and ensure this is included in their online application.
How to Apply:
All applicants must complete the personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ym2ycne4. More information on the application process can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mwn5952t. When applying online, students should ensure they include the department name in the ‘Programme Applied For’ section of the online form, as well as the Faculty of Science & Engineering as the ‘studentship type’ in the finance section.
Tel. No. for Enquiries: +44 (0)151 794 4043
Name and email address to direct enquiries to: Dr Christopher Overton: c.overton@liverpool.ac.uk
Application Web Address: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/
Availability
Open to UK applicants
Funding information
Funded studentship
UK students are only eligible for a fully-funded Faculty of Science & Engineering studentship; overseas students are eligible to apply if they can financially cover the difference in UK and Overseas tuition fees, cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and transport to the UK, as these are excluded from the funding.