"PhD Studentship - Universality in Random Growth Processes"

This 3.5-year project is open to home students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). Tuition fees will also be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

The Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class is a collection of models that includes the random growth of a surface over time or the behaviour of a large number of particles that move around in space and interact with each other according to specified rules. A striking fact is that these systems can share common behaviour even when the local rules governing their dynamics are significantly different. This is an example of universality, an important concept within physics, chemistry and biology, but one that lacks a full mathematical understanding.

This project will tackle questions relating to universality within the KPZ class of models. Some useful background for candidates would include continuous-time stochastic processes, martingales, Brownian motion.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply please contact the main supervisor; william.fitzgerald@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.