Mathematical Modelling of Adrenal Gland Steroid Biosynthesis (DC12)

This PhD project is embedded in Work Package 3: Trustworthy Data and Models of the EU Horizon ENDOTRAIN doctoral training network and aims to apply mathematical modelling methods to study adrenal gland steroid biosynthesis dynamics and their spatial relationship with adrenal tumours found in Primary aldosteronism (PA) and Mild autonomous hypercortisolism (MACS). Spatiotemporal models will be developed to describe enzyme-mediated steroid synthesis in the cortex of an adrenal gland relevant for diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral PA and MACS building on existing and new imaging data obtained by partner groups in the ENDOTRAIN network. 

The objectives of the project include: 

• Developing reaction-diffusion mathematical description of steroid enzyme mediated synthesis in the cortex of a healthy adrenal gland and implementing them into numerical simulation codes for handling complicated spatial profiles.
• Validating the models by comparing their analytical and numerical predictions with available experimental data.
• Applying the developed models to provide quantitative understanding of how the spatiotemporal profile of corticoids and androgens varies within the cortex region of a healthy adrenal gland.
• Quantifying the effect that pathway signalling dysregulation in different zones of the cortex has on expression levels of corticoids and androgens.
• Providing quantitative understanding of the impact of spatial disturbances (e.g., tumours) in the different zones of the cortex tissue on dynamic corticoid and androgen expression levels.
• Contributing to the development of computer platforms that support the prevention, diagnosis and management of endocrine disease (endocrine digital twins), 

Participants will collaborate closely with other Doctoral Candidates and engage in secondments to technical and clinical partners within the consortium. 

Research Fields 

Applied Mathematics, Computer and Data Sciences, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Endocrinology, Digital Health, Medical Sensors, Systems Physiology 

 Secondments 

• Evangelismos General Hospital Athens (GR) and Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität München (DE): Collect data on MACS and PA patients, respectively
• University of Manchester (UK): Inform mathematical model development and parameterisation and test model outcomes for PA and MACS using available experimental data 

The University of Reading (UREAD) is a leading research institution set in beautiful, award-winning parkland with London Paddington less than 30 minutes away by train. It offers leading environment in applied mathematics, data and computer sciences, and biomedical engineering. The PhD candidate will be based at the Department of Mathematics & Statistics (https://www.reading.ac.uk/maths-and-stats/), which has a long and established track record of research with 98% of research outputs ranked as world leading or internationally excellent, and benefit from state-of-the-art high performance computing facilities, mathematical training, and world-leading international collaborations. 

The candidate should work full-time on the project and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Applicant must fulfil eligibility criteria for UK PhD positions and will be enrolled in the structured PhD programme of Doctoral and Research College, University of Reading.

 
Participation in the interdisciplinary training of the ENDOTRAIN network is mandatory, including workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe. 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with: 

• A Master’s level or equivalent degree in Mathematics, Physics, Bio- or Biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline with a strong mathematical component
• A solid background in mathematical modelling, ordinary and partial differential equations, dynamical systems, and numerical analysis
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, Fortran or C/C++)
• Experience in numerical solutions of differential equations and knowledge of statistics and probability are desirable
• Strong interest in translational endocrinology, wearable device data and digital health technologies
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and communication skills (oral and written). 

Applicants must fulfil eligibility criteria for UK-based PhD positions and be willing to participate in training activities across Europe. 

• The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance and if eligible a family allowance. Thus, the gross salary will range from £42,978 - £46,974 (depending on eligibility for the family allowance) per annum. This is gross pay per year before taxes and other deductions are made. 

• Three years duration 

• Travel and secondment budget included 

• Opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development 

Applications will only be accepted through the Jobbnorge portal.

Applications without the mandatory attachments (application, CV, mobility declaration, motivation templates) will not be considered.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Zuowei Wang via email: zuowei.wang@reading.ac.uk