The role of shape and form in function of biological systems

• Funding – self-funded/externally sponsored applicants   (PhD Fees can be found here)
• Applications are accepted year round
• Standard Entry dates – January and September
• Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline.

Since the pioneering work of D’Arcy Thompson more than a century ago, it has become clear that shape and form play a major role in determining proper function of living organisms. Our understanding of molecular processes that underpin life has greatly improved since early 1900s. However, many questions remain open on how molecular-level regulation controls the development of functional tissue and organ scale structures. For example, for a healthy individual, it is not only necessary to have a liver, but it must be the right shape and size and positioned at the right place. Answering questions of how tissues and organs acquire and regulate their size and shape requires combining biochemical and mechanical processes and thus necessitates input from both physics and molecular biology. 

Physics of active matter, i.e. collections of agents such as cells that can convert chemical energy into directed motion, has emerged as a powerful tool for modelling collective behaviours of cells in various biological scenarios. The aim of this project will be to develop and study models of active matter of various levels of complexity to gain understanding how collectives of active agents respond to the presence of curvature and, ultimately, drive the shape formation. This will be done in close collaboration with the experimental lab of Prof Januschke who specialises in studying development in fruit fly embryos, a commonly used model system for exploring collective cell processes. 

The PhD student will gain training in cutting edge physics of active matter applied to biological systems and advance computational methods and techniques used to model cell and tissue scale biophysical processes. In addition, they will learn how to work in a cross-disciplinary environment and closely interact with researchers in different disciplines. Computational proficiency and ability to work in a diverse team are all highly transferable skills that would make the student competitive for positions both in academia and industry.

We are, therefore, seeking a highly-motivated student with training in physics or applied mathematics who is willing to closely collaborate with experimental biology labs.

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.