Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor(s): Dr Mark Willis, Professor Allen Wright
School: School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
Provider: EPSRC
Duration: 3 years from 1 October 2008
Project Description
Applications are invited for this EPSRC supported project. The candidate will join a team of researchers investigating mathematical techniques for the reverse engineering of chemical and biochemical reaction networks.
Software tools and algorithms that can reliably “reverse engineer” one or more plausible chemical reaction networks from minimal experimental laboratory data have substantial commercial and academic potential. However, the reverse engineering of networks from data is extremely difficult, especially in the presence of noise and uncertainty. Biochemical systems theory (BST) is a mathematical framework that provides a systemic way at looking at dynamic networks of interacting entities. In this project, the BST mathematical formalism of “S-systems” is adapted in a hybrid model form and combined with target factor analytical methods. This enables plausible network inference from limited non-equilibrium experimental data, such as that typically obtained from laboratory scale reaction vessels. In essence, the problem may be cast as a sparse, high dimensional optimisation problem which we solve using novel co-evolutionary computational methods.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
Due to funding criteria, EPSRC funded studentships are available only to UK/EU applicants. UK students are eligible for fees and stipend at the standard EPSRC rate (£12,940). EU candidates are eligible for fees only.
Person Specification
We are seeking a highly motivated student with a good Honours degree (upper-second-class Honours degree or higher) in chemical engineering or mathematics and/or an MSc degree in science and engineering.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials (full time) - Chemical Engineering’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number CE011. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV and a covering letter should be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CE011 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Closing date: Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Further Information
If you would like more details about this studentship, please contact Dr Mark Willis, mark.willis@ncl.ac.uk or Professor Allen Wright, a.r.wright@ncl.ac.uk
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
