PhD project: Statistical physics of dividing and differentiating stem cell populations
Project description
In biological physics, the dynamics of cell populations can be modelled as stochastic processes governing individual cell behaviours (division, differentiation, movement) combined with cell-cell interactions and feedback mechanisms that regulate the emergent distribution of cell types in space and over time.
Understanding this emergence through the lens of statistical physics offers both theoretical insights into nonequilibrium collective phenomena and practical applications in regenerative medicine and bioengineering.
This project will develop and analyse stochastic models of developing cell populations, building on frameworks from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Individual cells may be treated as interacting agents whose actions depend on their current state and local signals. The project could explore how spatial interactions, lineage hierarchies, or regulatory feedback circuits shape the emergent patterns and dynamics at the population level.
Depending on the student's interests, projects could emphasise forward modelling to generate experimentally testable predictions, or incorporate inference approaches to reconstruct dynamics and interaction rules from spatial data (such as microscopy images or spatial molecular profiles). All projects will combine theoretical analysis with computational implementation to validate predictions through simulations or comparison with experimental data.
A successful candidate would join an active network of researchers in mathematical biology, statistical physics, and regenerative medicine across Edinburgh and the UK, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Project supervisors
- Professor Richard Blythe (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Dr Linus Schumacher (MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisors welcome informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Physics of Living Matter.
- Find out more about Statistical Physics and Complexity.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.
More PhD projects
- Browse other Physics of Living Matter projects.
- Browse other Statistical Physics and Complexity projects.
- Browse other Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems projects.
- Browse all PhD research opportunities in the School of Physics & Astronomy.
- Browse PhD research opportunities elsewhere in the University of Edinburgh.