PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Computational Modelling of Individualised Therapies and Treatment Responses in Psoriasis

Award Summary

100% Home fees and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate)

Overview

Psoriasis vulgaris is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting 2–3% of the world population. It manifests itself as red scaly plaques distributed over the whole skin, causing significant disability and impairment to quality of life. The pathophysiology of psoriasis is complex, multi-factorial and thought to be triggered through environmental genetic interactions. For example, psoriasis can be triggered in response to innate or environmental stimuli (e.g., injury, infection, or certain behavioural patterns). 

Psoriasis is a chronic disease but may undergo periods of remission; currently though there is no cure. There are various therapies (e.g., narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) photo-therapy, biologics, etc.) that can achieve psoriasis clearance and induce a period of remission. Nevertheless, relapse is common, occurring in 70% of patients within 6 months from the end of the therapy. 

Many computational models of the disease progression and responses to therapies were designed over the years. Some of them explore interactions between keratinocytes and the immune system in healthy and psoriatic epidermis. Others model the connection between the epidermis dynamics and patients’ response to therapies measured via Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). This project will explore various modelling aspects of psoriasis by building new (and improving existing) models of healthy and psoriatic epidermis, individualised responses to therapies, psoriasis remission and relapse, circadian rhythms, etc. 

This work will be primarily carried out within the School of Computing in collaboration with the Newcastle University Medical School. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

September 2024

Award Duration

3.5 years

Application Closing Date

31 July 2024

Sponsor

School of Computing

Supervisors

Dr Fedor Shmarov

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Computer Science or a related discipline. Experience in stochastic and ODE modelling is required. Knowledge of MATLAB/Python is desirable. Understanding of psoriasis pathology is desirable. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently and strong communication skills are also essential. 

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees. 

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How To Apply

Use Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify programme of study:

• Search ‘Course Title’ using programme code: 8050F 
• Research Area: Computing Science 
• Select PhD Computer Science as programme of study

In ‘Further Questions’ section please upload:  

• ‘Personal Statement’ - upload document or write statement directly into application form 
• ‘Research Proposal’ - when prompted select ‘Write Proposal’. You should type the title of the project from this advert – you do not need to provide a proposal. 
• Studentship code COMP2170 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field 

In ‘supporting documentation’ please upload:  

• covering letter/CV 
• degree transcripts/certificates

Contact Details

Dr Fedor Shmarov

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