Multiscale mathematical modelling of neurobiological and neurodegenerative processes

This project aims to develop multiscale mathematical models of neurobiological processes and how alterations in these processes contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Developing such a framework involves describing and integrating phenomena across various length and time scales, from individual molecular interactions to brain-wide network activity. The candidate will collaborate closely with neuroscientists, biochemists, and mathematical biologists within our highly interdisciplinary team.

This project will be supervised by Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan at the University of Queensland (UQ), within the School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS) in the Faculty of Medicine and Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Centre (CJCDAR) at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI).

As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), UQ is one of Australia’s leading research universities, ranked in the world’s top 50. The team is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together experts in mathematical modelling and biology and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations within the lab. The team has access to SBMS/QBI’s state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy, animal experimentation, and computing facilities. The team is well-funded by NHMRC and ARC grants and benefits from an extensive network of collaborators, including Prof Jürgen Götz (CJCDAR director), A/Prof Victor Anggono (CJDAR), and Dr Rajat Desikan (GSK, UK).

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of mathematical modelling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of applied mathematics, physics, or engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of mathematical modelling is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 June, 2025 30 March, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan (p.padmanabhan@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now