PhD Studentship in Multiscale Modelling and Large Deviations in Stochastic Particle Systems

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD student position in Applied Mathematics to work with Dr Maria Bruna and Dr Robert Jack at Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP).

The PhD aims to derive equations that describe how interacting particles move in complex environments. Examples include small-scale processes such as intracellular transport of proteins along microtubules or ion channels, to large-scale transport such as animal foraging networks or traffic flow. This will involve the derivation of partial differential equation (PDE) models of stochastic systems of interacting particles in networks, with specific focus on accounting for excluded-volume interactions and confinement effects. We will use multiscale asymptotic methods and large deviation theory to obtain effective descriptions of the particle system.

The post is funded by Dr Bruna’s Royal Society Research Fellow Enhancement Award and is available from October 2020. It is open to EU and UK nationals. The PhD Studentship offered is fully funded for three years (to include University Composition Fees and maintenance for the duration of your course to RCUK minimum level).

Applicants should hold or be about to achieve a First or Upper-Second (2.i) class degree in mathematics or related fields. The candidate must be capable of performing independent research and have good communication skills.

This project will involve stochastic modelling of particle-based models, asymptotic methods and numerical solution of PDEs. Knowledge of probability theory, statistical physics, PDEs, and C++ and Python programming would be useful.

Enquiries should be directed to Dr Maria Bruna at LE21865@maths.cam.ac.uk