Expression of interest applications have now closed for the funded PhD scholarship (for a domestic or international student) through the inaugural Adelaide University Project Scholarship Round.
Project title: Data-Driven Mathematical Modelling of Nanoparticles in Biomedicine
Project description: Nanoparticles show great promise for medical diagnostics, imaging, and targeted drug delivery. Their success hinges on how they interact with both target and non-target cells. However, key processes governing nanoparticle-cell interactions remain poorly understood despite ongoing experimental efforts. While standard experiments are routinely used to determine whether a nanoparticle is successful for a particular application, analysis of these experiments often overlooks biological heterogeneity. Our recent works have demonstrated that overlooked biological heterogeneity is essential for correctly interpreting the simplest of two-dimensional in vitro experiments. This could mean that nanoparticles with poor characteristics are being favoured over more potent alternatives. This project will develop a suite of new experimentally validated mechanistic mathematical models to explore this gap for a broader range of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The project offers the chance to contribute to the vibrant interface of mathematics, biology, and the biomedical sciences and collaborate with experimental researchers.
Student requirements:
- Essential Criteria:
- Must have completed all previous qualifications
- Must meet Adelaide University Admission Criteria including English Language Proficiency
- Must hold a minimum of Australia First Class Honours (or equivalent) in applied mathematics, physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Desirable Criteria:
- Demonstrated experience in mathematical modelling with ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, or agent-based modelling.
- Some experience in programming, such as numerical methods for differential equations with MATLAB, Julia or Python.
- Some experience in calibrating mathematical models to data.
- Experience or willingness to work at the interface of mathematics and biology with experimental collaborators.
Supervisors: Dr Ryan Murphy (Lecturer of Mathematical Sciences, University of South Australia), Dr Alex Tam (Senior Lecturer, University of South Australia, and ARC DECRA Fellow), in collaboration with experimental researchers.
How to apply:
- Applicants must submit a brief expression of interest by 17 November 2025 via the following link – https://adelaideuni.edu.au/research/research-degrees/research-projects/eoi/388/
- Shortlisting for the preferred candidate is expected to be completed by 5 December 2025. The preferred candidate will then be notified and supported to submit a full application by 17 December 2025.
For further information regarding the project email Dr Ryan Murphy (ryan.murphy@unisa.edu.au)
Dr Ryan Murphy 