Fully Funded PhD in Mathematical Modelling of Environmental Information Processing in Hybrid Aspen University of Glasgow in United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Glasgow in an interdisciplinary project on mathematical modelling, environmental information processing, plant science, and hybrid aspen.

The project title is Mathematical modelling of environmental information processing in hybrid aspen. It sits within the MVLS/EPSRC DTP and brings together quantitative modelling and experimental plant biology to study how daylength and temperature regulate bud break and seasonal growth resumption.

The PhD candidate will develop mathematical models to simulate and uncover mechanisms of bud break in hybrid aspen. The work includes differential equations for temperature-sensitive gene expression, multicellular simulations of cells in the dormant bud, and biomechanical models of bud cells. The project is designed for a student interested in combining quantitative methods with biological questions in climate-response research.

Supervision is by Rea Antoniou-Kourounioti (Lecturer, University of Glasgow), Prof Peter Stewart, and Rishikesh Bhalerao (Umeå Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). The post highlights a unique supervisory team combining experimental plant science, mathematical modelling, and biomechanics.

Eligibility: applicants should have a background in Mathematics, Physics, or a similar area, plus excellent programming skills and a strong interest in applying these skills to Biology. The opportunity is open to both home and international candidates.

Funding: fully funded studentship. No stipend amount was stated in the post.

Deadline: 4 June 2026. Interviews are expected at the end of June 2026, with a start date in October 2026.

How to apply: use the University of Glasgow project page and follow the MVLS/EPSRC DTP application instructions. For general enquiries, contact [email protected].