The need for a step-change in TB research has been recognised by the UN. Interrupting transmission of infection is key to control, but we need to know more about who transmits to whom in order to target interventions. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of TB from patients has greatly improved our understanding of transmission, but to interpret the results correctly we need to take account of undiagnosed and unsequenced cases.

The student will explore this by developing a mathematical model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis trans mission and disease development and incorporating incomplete sampling for WGS, fitting it to the large, long-term and detailed WGS dataset from Karonga, Malawi. This will give a better understanding of Mtb transmission patterns in high burden, sub-Saharan African settings.

The student should have a strong quantitative background, ideally with some experience of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases and/or molecular epidemiology.

The successful student will become part of an MRC cohort, linking all MRC-funded students at St George’s and LSHTM (including students based at MRC units in The Gambia and Uganda), and providing training and networking opportunities.