We invite applications for a 3.5-year ERC-funded PhD studentship, start date September 2018. See: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/erc-doctoral-studentship-mathematical-modelling-tuberculosis

Project description
The studentship is offered as part of an ERC funded project using novel modelling approaches to examine on the natural history of TB. While tuberculosis is the biggest cause of death from a single infectious agent globally, our understanding of its natural history remains limited. The wider project will use mathematical tools to explore the consequences of novel insights on the natural history of TB and implement these tools to address urgent scientific questions in TB research. Work will include developing appropriate mathematical modelling approaches, considering both deterministic compartmental and stochastic individual based models, as well as combining historical and new data to inform model structures and parameters.

A significant part of the programme is devoted to model development, including the testing and parameterisation of different modelling approaches, in order to address complex research questions.

To complement the programme of research being undertaken, we seek a full-time PhD student in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. The studentship provides an excellent development opportunity for individuals with strong mathematical skills who are interested in applying these skills to infectious disease modelling, and individuals with epidemiological training who want to develop mathematical modelling skills.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Rein Houben (PI on the ERC parent grant, Rein.Houben@lshtm.ac.uk) for an informal discussion prior to submitting a formal application.