Juliette Unwin

The University of Bristol School of Mathematics is inviting applications for PhD positions in statistical and mathematical modelling, with a particular emphasis on infectious disease transmission. The program offers a wide range of research projects for the academic year 2025/26, supervised by leading academics in the fields of statistics, mathematics, and applied mathematics. Prospective students can explore topics such as statistical modelling of infectious diseases, mathematical biology, probabilistic modelling, machine learning for official statistics, high-dimensional statistics, and more. Applicants are encouraged to review the list of available projects and supervisors, which include research areas like change point and anomaly detection, robust state-space modelling, computational statistical discrepancies, and probabilistic additive models. The research environment is dynamic, with opportunities to propose new projects or tailor existing ones to your interests. Supervisors are open to innovative ideas and interdisciplinary approaches, particularly those that bridge statistics, mathematics, and applications in biology or epidemiology. To apply, candidates should have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Experience or interest in statistical or mathematical modelling, especially in the context of infectious diseases, is desirable. Good communication skills and proficiency in English are required. Funding availability may vary by project, and applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors for details about studentships or scholarships. Applications are accepted for entry in September 2026, with a deadline of December 28, 2025. Interested candidates should identify a research area or supervisor of interest, prepare a research proposal, and submit their application through the University of Bristol's online portal. For more information and to view the full list of projects, visit the School of Mathematics PhD opportunities page.