PhD Studentships - Dynamics of complex networks: role of delay, stochastic effects and topology

Engineering and Applied Science - Studentships

Location:  Aston University Main Campus
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (for 3 years)
Basis:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours BST on Monday 08 April 2019
Interview Date:  To be confirmed    

Applications are invited for a three-year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the School of Engineering and Applied Science, to be undertaken within the System Analytics Research Group (SARI) at Aston University.

The position is available to start in April or July 2019.

Financial support 

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the home/EU fees rate plus a maintenance allowance of £14,777.

Overseas Applicants

Applicants from outside the EU may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home/EU’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees, currently this is £12,290. 

As part of the application you will be required to confirm that you have applied for, or, secured this additional funding.

Background of the project 

Complex networks are omnipresent in science and engineering, from physiology and neuroscience to social networks, power grids, transportation and communication networks. These networks have a structure which is far from random or regular, and not always constant.

This project aims to study the interplay between network structure and its dynamics; it theoretically investigates collective dynamics of coupled nonlinear nodes, as synchronisation, information processing capacity, pattern formation and noise-induced effects as switching between multi-stable states.  A focus lies on the role of transmission delays and the interaction between the dynamics and the (possibly non-constant) coupling architecture.

Person specification

The successful applicant should have or expect to have a first class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in Physics or Mathematics, and/or a Masters degree in a mathematical physics related topic. Preferred skill requirements include a basic knowledge of dynamical systems and chaos theory. 

Contact information

For informal enquiries about this project and other opportunities within the System Analytics Research Group, contact Otti D’Huys by email (o.dhuys@aston.ac.uk).

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at seasres@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

Details of how to submit your application, and the necessary supporting documents can be found here.  

Applications must also be accompanied by a personal statement explaining how your knowledge and experience will benefit the project, and demonstrates your understanding of the research area.

We would particularly like to encourage application from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter (https://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan/), recently recognised by a prestigious Silver Award to EAS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive environment and family atmosphere.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HR via recruitment@aston.ac.ukFurther particulars and application forms are available in alternative formats on request i.e. large print, Braille, tape or CD Rom.