Submitted by S.E. Morgan on Fri, 03/05/2019 - 13:51
The School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London invite applications for a PhD project commencing in September 2019 for students seeking funding, or at any point in the academic year for self-funded students. The deadline for funded applications is the 30th June 2019.
The student will work under the supervision of Dr. Vincenzo Nicosia, on an EPSRC-funded project.
Aims of the project
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The project focuses on the exploration of long-time properties of random walks on graphs for the characterisation of heterogeneity in spatial systems. The main hypothesis is that the trajectories of random walks on graphs embedded in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional Euclidean spaces preserve a lot of information about the presence and importance of spatial correlations in the system. The main aim is to provide new graph-based methods to quantify correlations and heterogeneity in large-scale spatial data sets, and to devise appropriate null-models for the normalisation of those measures and the comparison of heterogeneity across different systems. The project has both a mathematical and a data-oriented component. It will most probably require the ability to simulate simple dynamics processes on graphs, and will provide extensive opportunities to deal with real-world data sets.
The candidate
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The ideal candidate is a UK/EU national with a Master-level degree in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science (with a strong maths component), and a strong interest in networks. Previous experience/knowledge in one or more of graph theory, network science, processes on graphs, discrete mathematics, combinatorics, matrix theory, dynamical systems, stochastic processes, random walks, time-series analysis, numerical simulations, is desirable but not essential.
The research group
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The student will be part of the Complex Systems and Networks Research Group at Queen Mary University of London. The group consists of 8 academics, 3 PDRAs and about 12 PhD students conducting world-leading research in complex networks, complex systems, time series analysis, stochastic processes, statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, mathematical modelling of biological systems, with applications to biology, ecology, neuroscience, urbanism, finance, engineering.
The School
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The School of Mathematical Sciences is committed to the equality of opportunities and to advancing women’s careers. As holders of a Bronze Athena SWAN award we offer family friendly benefits and support part-time study. We strongly encourage applications from women as they are underrepresented within the School.
Funding Notes
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This project is eligible for full funding, including support for 3.5 years’ study, additional funds for conference and research visits and funding for relevant IT needs.