Supervisors: Profs. Frank Ball, Andrew Cliffe and Michael Tretyakov, School of Mathematical Sciences(Nottingham)

Multidisciplinary collaborations are a critical feature of material science research enabling integration of data collection with computational and/or mathematical modelling. This PhD study provides an exciting opportunity for an individual to participate in a project spanning research into composite manufacturing, stochastic modelling and statistical analysis, and scientific computing. The project is integrated into the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites, which is led by the University of Nottingham and delivers a co-ordinated programme of research at four of the leading universities in composites manufacturing, the Universities of Nottingham, Bristol, Cranfield and Manchester.

This project focuses on the development of a manufacturing route for composite materials capable of producing complex components in a single process chain based on advancements in the knowledge, measurement and prediction of uncertainty in processing. The necessary developments comprise major manufacturing challenges, such as the real-time measurement of fibre variability in robotic fibre placement and the processing of composite components involving areas of large thickness. These are accompanied by significant mathematical problems, such as numerical solution of coupled non-linear partial differential equations with randomness, the inverse estimation of composite properties and their probability distributions based on real-time measurements and the formulation and solution of a stochastic model of the variability in fibre arrangements. The outcome of this work will enable a step change in the capabilities of composite manufacturing technologies to be made, overcoming limitations related to part thickness, component robustness and manufacturability as part of a single process chain, whilst yielding significant developments in mathematics with generic application in the fields of stochastic modelling and inverse problems.

The specific aims of this project are: (i) Stochastic simulation of multi-dimensional non-linear stochastic problems; (ii) Stochastic and statistical modelling of fibre variability in Automated Fibre Placement to permit the predictive simulation of range of potential outcomes conditional on monitoring observations made during the process; (iii) Solution of the anisotropic conductivity inverse problem under uncertainty to translate monitoring and simulation of observable parameters to uncertainty quantification of critical unobservable variables.

The PhD programme contains a training element, which includes research work as well as traditional taught material. The exact nature of the training will be mutually agreed by the student and their supervisors and will have a minimum of 30 credits (approximately ¼ of a Master course/taught component of an MSc course) of assessed training. The graduate programmes at the School of Mathematical Sciences and the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites provide a variety of appropriate training courses.

We require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in Mathematics (in exceptional circumstances a 2(i) class degree can be considered), preferably of the MMath/MSc level, with good programming skills and willing to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team. A candidate with a solid background in statistics and stochastic processes will have an advantage.

The studentship is available for a period of three and a half years from September/October 2013 and provides an annual stipend of £13,726 and full payment of Home/EU Tuition Fees. Students must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof. Michael Tretyakov. 

Application -  please use the online application form. This studentship is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.

School of Mathematical Sciences & School of Biosciences
Fully funded PhD studentship in Applied Mathematics/Mathematical Modelling/Mathematical Biology

Analysing how hormone dynamics create plant root branches

Supervised by Dr Leah Band, Prof John King and Prof Malcolm Bennett
In collaboration with Prof. Tom Beeckman, University of Ghent.

Plant roots transport water and nutrients from the soil to the rest of the plant, enabling it to grow. Therefore understanding the processes regulating root growth and branching could enable us to produce root structures that maximise water and nutrient uptake and hence improve global food security. In this project, we shall focus on the role of the plant hormone auxin, which is known to control both the direction of the root growth (typically in the direction of gravity) and the formation of root branches.

Auxin moves between plant cells in a complicated manner, due to the spatial distribution of proteins on the cell membranes. This project will involve developing and analysing multicellular models that investigate how the auxin dynamics depend on both this cell-to-cell transport, and hence how these processes regulate root growth. In particular, we shall analyse some new experimental findings on the regulation of root branching, which cannot be explained with our existing models. We shall focus on deterministic models and use a range of techniques, including asymptotic analysis and numerical simulations (exploiting recent modelling developments within our groups).

This project will be based at the Centre for Plant Integrative Biology, a world-renowned centre for plant modelling, and will involve close collaboration with researchers from other disciplines. By working closely with Prof. Tom Beeckman at the University of Ghent and with other researchers within the University of Nottingham, we shall develop models that reflect the latest experimental findings and that generate novel predictions for testing by these experimental collaborators.

We require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in Mathematics (in exceptional circumstances a 2(i) class degree can be considered), preferably of the MMath/MSc level. Candidates would need to be keen to work in an interdisciplinary environment and interested in learning about plant science; any experience in this field, or in mathematical biology more generally, would be a distinct advantage.

The studentship is available from September/October 2013 and provides an annual stipend at the standard rate (currently £13,590 per annum) and full payment of Home/EU Tuition Fees. The studentship period will depend on the training needs of the successful applicant.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Leah Band,

To apply, please use the online booking form quoting ref: SCI/1233.

This studentship is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.

School of Mathematical Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences

Applications are invited for the above post to work with Dr Rüdiger Thul, Tom Bellamy and Dr Noah Russell on a Leverhulme Trust funded project at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will register for a 3 year PhD in the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Biomedical Sciences.

A major challenge in physiology is to understand the rules governing cell signalling pathways that control cellular behaviour. This project aims to provide quantitative insights into cellular decision making by combining novel experimental approaches with cutting-edge mathematical modelling. The successful candidate will use techniques from computational cell biology and mathematical cell physiology as well as ideas and concepts from dynamical systems theory, random processes and information processing. The project is interdisciplinary in nature, and so the candidate should be enthusiastic about collaborating closely with colleagues in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering.

We require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in Mathematics (in exceptional circumstances a 2(i) class degree can be considered), preferably of the MMath/MSc level. Candidates would need to be interested in learning about cell physiology; any experience in this field, or in mathematical biology more generally, would be a distinct advantage.

The studentship is available from September/October 2013 and provides an annual stipend at the standard rate (currently £13,590 per annum) and full payment of Home/EU Tuition Fees for a period of 36 months.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr R Thul   Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences, one of the most active in the UK please visit the school website.

To apply, please use the online application form quoting  ref: SCI/1236.

Closing date: 30 April 2013.

Applications are invited for fully funded PhD studentships in any area of Mathematics, including Statistics and Probability, at the School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise all units of assessment performed well with applied mathematics placed 5th in the research power ranking and statistics ranked 6th for quality. Over 95% of research across the school was judged to be of international standard.

The School of Mathematical Sciences is a large and thriving research centre. Areas of research specialism include Algebra, Number Theory, Analysis, Applied Nonlinear Mathematics, Mathematical Medicine and Biology, Complex and Disordered Systems, Continuum Mechanics, Industrial Mathematics, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information, Epidemic Modelling, Statistical Shape Analysis, Probability Theory and Financial Mathematics.

EPSRC studentships will cover all study fees for EU nationals. For UK nationals, or EU nationals who can demonstrate a relevant connection with the UK (usually established by being ordinarily resident for a period of 3 years immediately prior to the date of application for an award), it will also provide a stipend for either three or three and a half years, currently £13,726 per annum, increasing in line with the EPSRC rates. Students taking projects in statistics or probability may be eligible for an enhanced stipend. Details of eligibility can be found  from the Office of Public Sector Information .

School funded studentships and University funded studentships cover all study fees for EU nationals and also provides a stipend for either three or three and a half years at the EPSRC rate mentioned above.

Applicants should have a First or Upper Second class degree in Mathematics or Statistics, or in a subject with a high mathematical content.

Applications should be made online via the Applicants' Portal .

The School has available a number of Studentships for students from the UK and the EU, including EPSRC and BBSRC studentships funded through Doctoral Training Grants, Nottingham University Research Scholarships (URSs) and School Scholarships.

URSs and School Scholarships

The URSs and School Scholarships provide full funding (fees and living expenses) for UK and EU students.

EPSRC and BBSRC Scholarships

The EPSRC and BBSRC studentships provide full funding for UK students and for EU students who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to PhD study, and cover fees only for other EU students.

These studentships are awarded on a competitive basis. 

Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence

EU students are also eligible to apply for the Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (European Union).To apply for this scholarship you must first apply the school and received an offer of a place and then apply for the scholarship itself. The scholarship deadline is in early March.

International Office Scholarships

The university's International Office administers a number of  scholarships and assists with external scholarships. Many of the scholarships require an offer from the School before you can apply so early application is encouraged. Once you have an offer from the School we will assist you in applying for scholarships.

The university's Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (International)

The University of Nottingham Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (International) is open to all nationalities. To apply for this scholarship you must first apply the school and received an offer of a place and then apply for the scholarship itself. The scholarship deadline is in early March.