Project Background: Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced matrix. These systems are defined by two critical interfaces: the cell-substrate interface (attachment) and the cell-media interface (nutrient exchange and spread). Understanding these boundaries is vital for managing biofilms in medicine and industry. This project combines high-fidelity multicellular modelling with cutting-edge microfluidic experiments to understand the mechanisms of biofilm growth and structural evolution.

Project Elements: Depending on the interest of the PhD candidate, the project will focus on some of the following elements:

Developing 3D Multicellular Simulations: Extend existing mathematical models of multicellular interactions within biofilms to describe mechanical and chemical interactions between cells and their environment.
Specifically Model Environmental Interactions: Investigate the relationship between cell-cell, cell-media, and cell-substrate interactions and how they influence the evolution of the biofilm.
Calibrate with Experimental Data: Utilise data from microfluidic biofilm growth experiments—conducted in the laboratory of Dr Yohan Davit (CNRS Toulouse)—to refine model predictions.
Contribute to Open-Source Science: Implement these models within an open source computational framework to ensure the broader modelling community benefits from the research.

Essential Selection Criteria

Academic Excellence: A First-class (H1 or equivalent) bachelor’s or master’s degree from a high-ranking university in applied mathematics, physics, or engineering with a specific interest in mathematical modelling.
Statistical Proficiency: An understanding of statistical inference (e.g., Bayesian techniques).
Computational Aptitude: Experience in programming and implementing mathematical models as computational simulations.
Biological Interest: An interest in the fundamental mechanisms of biofilm development and microbial communities.
Collaborative Aptitude: Readiness to work within a multidisciplinary team to translate complex experimental data into rigorous mathematical frameworks.
For candidates from countries where English is not the single official language, proof of English proficiency is essential. As a minimum you must meet the University’s requirements: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/graduate-english-language-requirements

Why Join Us?

International Mobility: The project includes funded travel for the PhD student to visit Toulouse, France, to work directly with experimental collaborators.
Career Development: Be part of a multidisciplinary team training the next generation of scientists at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, and biology.
Real-World Impact: Your work will lay the foundation for future innovations in health, manufacturing, and food production.

The PhD candidate will be based in the Melbourne Mathematical Biology Group, in the School of Mathematics & Statistics, at the University of Melbourne (Parkville Campus). The project will be supervised by Prof James Osborne (Melbourne, Principal Supervisor), Prof Jennifer Flegg (Melbourne) and Dr Stuart Johnston (Melbourne) in collaboration with Dr Yohan Davit (CNRS, Toulouse) and Dr Sakia Freytag (WEHI, Melbourne). Visits to Toulouse (France) will be an important part of the project.

This project forms part of a larger research collaboration between the supervisors and collaborators, funded through an Australian Research Council Discovery Project entitled “Bridging biological boundaries: modelling to explore the role of interfaces”

How to apply:

Interested candidates (of any nationality) who satisfy the criteria above should email Prof James Osborne (jmosborne@unimelb.edu.au) with the following put into a single word or pdf file:

A cover letter that briefly outlines your skills and experience and how you meet the selection criteria above (2 pages maximum). Please indicate when you would be able to commence the project. If you do not explicitly address the Selection Criteria your application will be discarded.
A formal transcript of your academic record from your University that details the subjects you took, the grades you received and what the grading scheme means if it is not obvious (Transcripts should be translated into English if in another language). If you have a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, provide transcripts for both.
A brief CV.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until Friday 1st May 2026 in the first instance.

Ideally, the candidate would start in the second half of 2026.

Qualified candidates will be invited for further discussions about the position via zoom.

Funding Notes

The successful candidate will receive a full stipend (approx. $39,500 pa) and fees covered (open to any nationality). The award also includes single health cover for international students, a relocation allowance ($2000 for domestic, $3000 for international) and funds for travel to conferences, workshops, and visits to collaborators.

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