Two PhD studentships
University of Canterbury
New Zealand
The Biomathematics Research Centre (a research centre currently being set up, associated to the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand) is offering two PhD studentships (of approximately NZ$12,000 each, for each of three years) beginning in 1996, to exceptional students, one for each of the following two projects. The closing date for applications is January 15, 1996. Applications, including full cv, should be sent to the respective supervisor at: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Private Bag, Christchurch, New Zealand (Fax: (0064)-3-364-2587). The successful applicants will be notified on February 1, and would be expected to start in March, 1996. No course work is necessary for a PhD in New Zealand, and PhD fees for New Zealand and Australian citizens are NZ$2400 in 1996. For further information, please contact either of the supervisors directly.
Project 1: (supervisor, James Sneyd; j.sneyd@math.canterbury.ac.nz)
Title: Mathematical models of calcium oscillations and waves.
This project will involve the construction and analysis of models of intracellular and intercellular calcium wave propagation, and their comparison to experimental data. An interest in differential equations, bifurcation theory, reaction-diffusion equations and scientific computing is desirable. No background biological knowledge is necessary, but the student will be expected to learn considerable amounts of cell physiology during the course of the thesis.
Project 2: (supervisor, Mike Steel; mas@math.canterbury.ac.nz).
Title: Analysis of "covarion" models of site substitution in DNA sequences, with an underlying evolutionary tree.
This project aims to develop new techniques and theory for analysing certain models for DNA sequence evolution, and to test the results on real data. The ideal applicant would have expertise in probability theory and discrete mathematics; some programming skills, and some background in genetics. An ability to communicate with biologists would also be useful!