Mathematical Models in Immuno-Epidemiology PhD scholarship

The spread of a pathogen (for example, a virus or bacteria) through a population is a multi-scale phenomena, influenced by factors acting at both the population and within-host scales. At the population scale, transmission is influenced by how infectious an infected host is. Infectiousness in turn depends on the balance between pathogen replication within the host and immune/drug control mechanisms.

This project aims to develop new mathematical frameworks for simultaneously modelling these two scales. This will provide a platform for the rigorous study of complex biological interactions – such as the emergence and combat of drug-resistance – that shape society's ability to control infectious diseases in human, animal and plant systems.

Benefits of the scholarship include:

a La Trobe Research Scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of AUD $28,854.00 per annum, to support your living costs (2022 rate)
a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
relocation allowance and publication/thesis allowance
opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs.

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course
not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose.

In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:

will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above