Des Higham's Vacancies

Reference no.: DJH1

Supervisor: Professor Des Higham

Date advertised: 6th February 2007

Please contact Professor Des Higham for further information.

Several areas of experimental cell biology have produced networks. In mathematical terms these are graphs: eg the nodes may be proteins and a pair of proteins may be linked by an edge if they take part in a common function.

A current research activity involves modelling these networks (eg what underlying mechanisms are producing the connectivity patterns?) and searching for patterns (eg can we indentify proteins that have similar biological roles?).

PhD work in this area would involve a mix of computation (with matrices), discrete mathematics and possibly statistics.

There is also a possibility to engage with biological colleagues at the University of Glasgow and/or the Beatson Cancer Research Institute in Bearsden.

Reference no.: DJH2

Supervisor: Professor Des Higham

Date advertised: 20th November 2007

Please contact Professor Des Higham for further information.

DNA, mRNA and proteins are the fundamental building blocks that govern what happens inside our cells.

Some simple mathematical models have recently been developed and studied with the aim of understanding the control processes taking place.

Mathematical models and computational algorithms must take account of both the inherent noise in the system and the vast range of scales (fast/slow reactions many/few molecules of a species).

This project would analyse some recent models and develop efficient simulation tools.

This work would involve a mixture of analysis (differential equations), stochastics, and computation and there is potential for collaboration with life scientists.

Reference no.: CASE 1/12

Supervisor: Professor Des Higham

• Date advertised: 8th May 2012
• Closing date: 30th September 2012
• Start date: 1st October 2012

Please contact Professor Des Higham for further information.

Project Description

The student will design and implement computational tools in the field of reservoir simulation. Emphasis will be on the use of optimization methods in pre-processing and post-processing stages, where value can be added to existing large-scale software packages. Key challenges in this area include: History matching: Calibrating the simulation model to measured field data, Sensitivity analysis: quantifying the sensitivity of predictions to model parameters, and Experimental design: optimising the model parameters that are under user control, such as chemical injection, water flood schemes and well placement.

The research will be undertaken within the Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing group in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, supervised by Prof Desmond Higham. The industrial partner is Dr Lindsay Wood, Sciencesoft Ltd, Glasgow.

This type of application-driven computational work alongside an industrial partner provides excellent training for a PhD student and the skills developed are highly prized by employers.

Company Details

Sciencesoft is an award winning Scottish business that develops and markets 3D visualisation and analysis software to the worldwide oil and gas industry. The flagship product, S3GRAF, is a universal post-processor for much of the world’s leading reservoir simulation software. S3GRAF is used by petroleum engineers in over 140 companies in 80 countries to analyse the predictions from simulation models of oil and gas fields. The company has started on an ambitious expansion plan, which includes doubling the number of staff, doubling the office space and expanding its product range by the end of 2013.

Requirements

Applicants should have, or be expecting to obtain in the near future, a first class or good 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, computing, engineering or a related numerate science. Experience in numerical methods/scientific computing is highly desirable. The studentship is available for UK/EU candidates subject to specific eligibility criteria. In addition to the payment of tuition fees for the 3.5 year duration of the project, the award includes provision for a student maintenance grant at the standard EPSRC rate, plus an enhanced stipend from the industrial support. The student will spend some time working at Sciencesoft’s offices in Glasgow during the period of the award.

Expected start date is 1^st Oct 2012.

Details of how to apply can be found on the University website.

Informal contact: Prof D J Higham: d.j.higham@strath.ac.uk.