Application of high-throughput sequencing technologies is leading to the generation of vast genomic datasets, from to the collection of cells in a tumour to the millions of species in the Tree of Life. These large datasets can be analysed to understand patterns of molecular evolution, to work out the evolutionary relationship between species/cells, and to calibrate evolutionary trees to geological time. Bayesian statistical methods have become the state-of-the-art for such analyses but are computationally expensive. In this project, the student will develop new computational implementations of Bayesian MCMC samplers (such as Metropolis-Hasting and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo) for evolutionary studies, with emphasis on methods to determine diversification timings. The new methodologies can be applied to understand diversification patterns in case studies such as cancer cells, mammals, birds, and flowering plants, among others, helping to answer fundamental questions about evolutionary patterns. The project is suited for a student with background in any relevant areas such as computational biology, genomics, statistical modelling, Hamiltonian dynamics, and computer science.
The dos Reis and Nichols labs work on the development and application of statistical methodologies to study evolution. The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has several active research groups in the areas of genomics and molecular evolution, and the student will benefit with interactions from members of the school, and members of the dos Reis and Nichols groups. You can find out more at the following links:
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
Bayesian analysis, genomics, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, diffusion models, molecular evolution
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Mario dos Reis Barros AT m.dosreisbarros@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online