PhD Studentship: Re-imagining the genetic algorithm with application to marine engineering design.

Fluid Structure Interactions Group

Location: Highfield Campus

Closing Date:  Monday 13 February 2017

Reference: 825017AT

Project Reference: CMEES-FSI-133

Genetic algorithms are used in a huge number of diverse applications spanning pop music, clinical decision support, big data and automated design. Originally proposed by Turing in 1950, the genetic algorithm was first used by Holland in the 1960’s to investigate evolution but has since been successfully adapted to solve optimisation problems. As the application of genetic algorithms has broadened improvements and additions to the available methodologies are required to solve increasingly diverse and complex problems. Most of the top genetic algorithms are derived from mathematical and computational concepts which neglect current evolutionary theory.

Contemporary evolutionary biology is undergoing impassioned debate into how epigenetic factors including learned behaviours, social memes and subconscious physiological cues modify inheritance across generations. This “extended evolutionary synthesis” is controversial because of support from creationist funding agencies. The creationist constituency suspect it might replace genetic inheritance entirely; most evolutionary biologists take the prefix epi to mean these alternative modes act “on top of”, rather than “instead of”, genetic routes.

It is proposed mechanisms that speed the rate of evolution in the natural world, will increase the speed of the genetic algorithm. We will explore new methodologies using inspiration from epigenetics and evolutionary theory. This will provide a boost to the performance of the genetic algorithm with the potential to revolutionise both marine engineering applications and our understanding of evolutionary inheritance in the life sciences.

Candidates should possess a 1st Class degree level (or equivalent) qualification and be willing to engage in cross-disciplinary research. The project is ideally suitable for a candidate with an engineering, mathematical science, computational science or biological science background. An outstanding candidate with any of these expertise would be suitable, with relevant training supplied in the alternate disciplines.

The understanding and communication of results using clear and appropriate language is of utmost importance for this project and you will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills.

You will participate in the SMMI Maritime Futures LTDS Cohort Training programme, present at least one research paper in the Lloyd’s Register-SMMI Seminar series and will be expected to produce at least one journal quality paper. You will be required to undertake the FEE Faculty research student training programme.

This is a fully-funded PhD at standard UK/EU fees rates with stipend. Candidates must apply via the University application procedure using: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

Shortlisting of candidates will take place in February 2017. Interviews will be held in March 2017.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Adam Sobey, Fluid-Structure Interactions group, Email: ajs502@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 7773.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification