PhD Studentship: Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance of Responses to Environmental Stress University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

This PhD project at the University of East Anglia investigates the mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and cellular stress responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. The research addresses how populations adapt to rapidly changing environments due to anthropogenic climate change, focusing on whether critical cellular stress responses can be transmitted non-genetically across generations. The project will determine if such inheritance enhances population resistance to environmental stress and individual Darwinian fitness, and will explore the mechanistic basis using advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and candidate regulator screening.

The successful candidate will gain comprehensive training in experimental design, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, scientific writing, and presentation, as well as expertise in evolutionary biology, cell biology, and physiological techniques. Participation in external training courses, conferences, seminars, research discussion groups, and journal clubs is also included. Applicants should have a strong interest in evolution, ecology, genetics, and stress response biology, and must hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree in Biological Sciences.

English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The position is full-time and starts on 1 October 2026. Funding is provided through an ARIES studentship, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, though relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.