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University of Bristol

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PhD Studentship: Learning and Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Public Health University of Bristol in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Jan 31, 2027

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Computer Science
Epidemiology
Biology
Network Analysis
Probabilistic Modeling
Reinforcement Learning
Active Learning
Salud Pública
Resource Allocation
Statistics
Control System
ML

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About this position

[4-year University Scholarship with minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), RTSG £8,400, and full tuition fees covered.]

PhD studentship at the University of Bristol on Learning and Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Public Health.

This project sits at the intersection of machine learning, AI, statistics, reinforcement learning, active learning, Bayesian decision theory, and stochastic optimisation. The research aims to develop novel methods for adaptive learning, sequential decision-making, and control in partially observed and evolving systems, with motivating applications in public health and epidemiology.

Key themes include adaptive data acquisition under resource constraints, RL-based sequential intervention and control, and robust learning under incomplete observations, changing environments, and distributional shifts. The work will combine probabilistic modelling, network-based representations, and modern AI techniques to support scalable and interpretable decision-making in complex systems.

Application areas mentioned in the advert include adaptive disease surveillance, outbreak monitoring, resource allocation, and intervention planning using dynamic mobility and contact networks. The broader methodological contribution is relevant to sequential optimisation and decision-making problems across AI and data science.

The project is based at the University of Bristol and is supervised by Dr Mengyan Zhang, whose research focuses on sequential decision-making and public health. The advert also notes her broader collaborations through the Machine Learning and Global Health network.

Funding is advertised as a 4-year University Scholarship for the 2027/28 academic year, open to competitive worldwide applicants. The package includes a minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate, RTSG of £8,400, and full tuition fees covered.

To apply, candidates must submit an online application through the Bristol postgraduate application portal and additionally email the supervisor with the requested application materials. The deadline is 31 January 2027.

Funding details

Available

What's required

The ideal candidate should have foundational knowledge of machine learning and strong self-motivation. A CV, personal statement, transcript of qualifying degrees, and optionally a research proposal and additional supporting materials are requested. The post is for full-time doctoral study; no English-language test or minimum GPA requirement is stated in the advert.

How to apply

Submit an online application via the University of Bristol postgraduate application portal and select the relevant programme title on the Programme Choice page. In the Funding and Research Details sections, enter the studentship details. Also email [email protected] with the subject line [PhD Application + Your name] and include the required documents.

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