PhD opportunity in multi-scale models in immuno-epidemiology.
The spread of a pathogen (for example, a virus or bacteria) through a population is a multi-scale phenomena, influenced by factors acting at both the population and within-host scales. At the population scale, transmission is influenced by how infectious an infected host is. Infectiousness in turn depends on the balance between pathogen replication within the host and immune/drug control mechanisms. This project aims to develop new mathematical frameworks for simultaneously modelling these two scales. This will provide a platform for the rigorous study of complex biological interactions – such as the emergence and combat of drug-resistance – that shape society's ability to control infectious diseases in human, animal and plant systems.
This PhD is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project led by Prof James McCaw and A/Prof Nic Geard at the University of Melbourne, and Dr Rebecca Chisholm at La Trobe University. The successful applicant will be based at La Trobe Bundoora Campus and work closely with all investigators.
Graduates with a strong background in applied mathematics and with strong programming skills in either Python, Matlab, or R are encouraged to apply. Experience in infectious disease modelling is preferred, but not essential.
How to apply:

• Review details on how to apply for candidature at La Trobe University
• Contact Dr Rebecca Chisholm (r.chisholm@latrobe.edu.au), with any enquiries or to express an interest in the project.
• When you have received in-principle agreement for supervision, complete and submit your application by 30 June 2021 for admission into La Trobe’s PhD program, indicating you wish to be considered for this scholarship on the application.
  The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship. You will be advised of an outcome in July 2021.