Marcus Tindall

The University of Reading is offering a fully funded PhD position in Mathematical Modelling of Adrenal Gland Steroid Biosynthesis (DC12) as part of the prestigious ENDOTRAIN MSCA Doctoral Network. This three-year doctoral project is embedded within Work Package 3: Trustworthy Data and Models of the EU Horizon ENDOTRAIN network, focusing on the development and application of advanced mathematical modelling techniques to study the dynamics of adrenal gland steroid biosynthesis and their spatial relationship with adrenal tumours, particularly in the context of Primary aldosteronism (PA) and Mild autonomous hypercortisolism (MACS). The successful candidate will develop spatiotemporal models to describe enzyme-mediated steroid synthesis in the cortex of the adrenal gland, relevant for the diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral PA and MACS. The project will build on both existing and new imaging data provided by partner groups within the ENDOTRAIN network. Key objectives include: Developing reaction-diffusion mathematical models of steroid enzyme-mediated synthesis and implementing these into numerical simulation codes to handle complex spatial profiles. Validating models by comparing analytical and numerical predictions with experimental data. Providing quantitative insights into the variation of corticoids and androgens within the adrenal cortex. Quantifying the impact of pathway signalling dysregulation and spatial disturbances (such as tumours) on hormone expression levels. Contributing to the development of computer platforms for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of endocrine diseases (endocrine digital twins). The project offers extensive collaboration opportunities, including secondments to technical and clinical partners such as Evangelismos General Hospital Athens, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and the University of Manchester. The candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary training, workshops, retreats, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe, as well as access to state-of-the-art high performance computing facilities and international collaborations at the University of Reading's Department of Mathematics & Statistics. Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics, Bio- or Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a strong mathematical component. Essential skills include mathematical modelling, differential equations, dynamical systems, numerical analysis, and programming (Python, Matlab, Fortran, or C/C++). Experience with numerical solutions of differential equations and knowledge of statistics and probability are desirable. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Excellent English language and communication skills are required. Funding and Benefits: The position is fully funded for three years, with a gross annual salary ranging from £42,978 to £46,974 (depending on eligibility for the family allowance), plus living and mobility allowances. A travel and secondment budget is included, along with opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Jobbnorge portal with all mandatory attachments. For further details, visit the project page and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Reading. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of mathematics, biomedical engineering, and endocrinology, within a vibrant international doctoral network.

The University of Reading invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Adrenal Gland Steroid Biosynthesis (ENDOTRAIN DC12), funded by the European Commission through the MSCA Doctoral Network Endotrain. This position is part of a pioneering European doctoral network in digital endocrinology, integrating AI, sensor technology, omics, and clinical medicine to transform the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment at the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, benefiting from world-class facilities and international collaborations. The project focuses on developing and validating spatiotemporal mathematical models to describe enzyme-mediated steroid synthesis in the adrenal gland cortex, with applications to the diagnosis of Primary aldosteronism (PA) and Mild autonomous hypercortisolism (MACS). Objectives include creating reaction-diffusion models, implementing numerical simulation codes, and analyzing the impact of spatial disturbances such as tumours on steroid expression levels. The research will contribute to the development of digital twin platforms for endocrine disease management. As part of the ENDOTRAIN network, the PhD candidate will collaborate with technical and clinical partners across Europe, including secondments at Evangelismos General Hospital (Athens), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and the University of Manchester. The interdisciplinary training will cover applied mathematics, computer and data sciences, biomedical and chemical engineering, endocrinology, digital health, medical sensors, and systems physiology. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics, Physics, Bio- or Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a strong mathematical component. Essential skills include mathematical modelling, differential equations, dynamical systems, numerical analysis, and programming (Python, Matlab, Fortran, or C/C++). Experience with numerical solutions of differential equations and knowledge of statistics and probability are desirable. Candidates must demonstrate excellent English proficiency and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary (£42,978 - £46,974 per annum, depending on eligibility for family allowance), a travel and secondment budget, and opportunities for international networking and career development. The appointment is for three years, with a latest start date of August 2026. Diversity and inclusion are core values of the MSCA Endotrain network, and applications from women, people with immigrant backgrounds, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged. To apply, submit your application via the Jobbnorge portal, including all mandatory attachments (Application form, CV, Mobility declaration, Motivation Letter). Ensure you meet the MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria and provide documentation of your master's degree or expected completion date. For further details, visit the Department of Mathematics & Statistics webpage and the Endotrain Doctoral Training Network site. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Zuowei Wang ([email protected]). For programme questions, contact Elizabeth Farmer ([email protected]), and for HR-related queries, contact Selina Hausberg ([email protected]).

The University of Reading is offering a fully funded PhD Research Fellow position in Mathematical Modelling of Adrenal Gland Steroid Biosynthesis as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (ENDOTRAIN). This prestigious opportunity is embedded within a European-wide initiative to advance digital endocrinology, integrating AI, sensor technology, omics, and clinical medicine to transform the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases. The position is funded by the European Commission and coordinated by the University of Bergen, Norway. Supervised by Dr. Zuowei Wang, Dr. Eder Zavala, and Prof. Marcus Tindall, the successful candidate will join the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Reading, a leading research environment with a strong track record in applied mathematics, data science, and biomedical engineering. The department boasts state-of-the-art high performance computing facilities and international collaborations, with 98% of research outputs ranked as world leading or internationally excellent. The PhD project focuses on developing and validating mathematical models to study the dynamics of adrenal gland steroid biosynthesis and their spatial relationship with adrenal tumours, particularly in Primary aldosteronism (PA) and Mild autonomous hypercortisolism (MACS). The research will involve creating reaction-diffusion models, implementing numerical simulation codes, and analyzing spatiotemporal profiles of steroid synthesis using imaging data from ENDOTRAIN partner groups. The project aims to provide quantitative insights into enzyme-mediated synthesis, pathway signalling dysregulation, and the impact of spatial disturbances such as tumours on hormone expression levels. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to the development of computer platforms for endocrine digital twins, supporting prevention, diagnosis, and management of endocrine diseases. Participants will collaborate closely with other doctoral candidates and undertake secondments at technical and clinical partners, including Evangelismos General Hospital Athens, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and the University of Manchester. These placements will provide opportunities to collect patient data, inform model development, and test outcomes using experimental data. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics, Bio- or Biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline with a strong mathematical component. Required skills include mathematical modelling, ordinary and partial differential equations, dynamical systems, numerical analysis, and programming (Python, Matlab, Fortran, or C/C++). Experience in numerical solutions of differential equations and knowledge of statistics and probability are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in translational endocrinology, wearable device data, and digital health technologies, as well as excellent English communication skills. Eligibility criteria include not having resided or carried out a main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the past 36 months before the PhD start date, not already holding a doctoral degree, and providing documentation of the awarded master's degree or a statement of expected completion before the position start date. The programme encourages applications from women, people with immigrant backgrounds, and people with disabilities, in line with its gender equality and diversity goals. The position offers a competitive salary (£42,978–£46,974 per annum, depending on eligibility for family allowance), a mobility allowance, and a family allowance if applicable. The duration is three years, with travel and secondment budgets included, and opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development. Applications must be submitted via the Jobbnorge portal, including all mandatory attachments: application form, CV, mobility declaration, and motivation letter. For further details, visit the project and programme webpages or contact the supervisors and programme manager as listed in the advertisement.