ASTON UNIVERSITY
Computer Science PhD Fellowships
Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science
We are pleased to offer a PhD Studentship, sponsored by the School of Engineering and Applied Science, in the area of Cooperative problem solving using Agent-Based modelling. In most complex systems there is a mechanism that maps simple local rules to the macroscopic behaviour of these systems. We will use agent-based modelling and simulation to investigate the following questions that arise from this fact:

Given the set of local interactions in a complex system can we predict the large-scale patterns that emerge?
Given the large-scale patterns can we find the local interactions that lead to them?
Can we define local interactions that lead to the optimal large-scale patterns?
Multi agent systems are a very good model for a multitude of complex real life phenomena such as markets, economies, societies, ecologies and organisms.

The 3 year studentship will cover Home/EU fees plus a stipend of £12,600 p.a. (tax free). The successful candidate will commence as soon as possible.

All applicants should have good programming skills in an object-oriented language and a first or 2.1 (or equivalent) in a scientific, engineering or mathematical subject. Experience or strong interest in one or more of the areas of agent-based modelling, complexity and/or optimisation would be an advantage.

Application forms are obtainable from http://www.seas.aston.ac.uk/admissions/research Please send the completed application form to include contact details of two referees, a two page research statement (indicating your interest and any relevant experience) and transcripts of all degree results to:
Research Student Co-ordinator
School Office, MB134
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Aston Triangle
Aston University
Birmingham B4 7ET

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Maria Chli (m.chli@aston.ac.uk); research group details can be found at http://keg.cs.aston.ac.uk. For further information regarding the application process, contact Sharen Lloyd (d.s.lloyd@aston.ac.uk)

Aston University is ranked 12th overall out of 113 UK Universities in The Good University Guide 2008, published in The Telegraph. The Department of Computer Science is a leading department of Computer Science among the UK Universities. It has been awarded a research rating of 5 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.