University of Edinburgh
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Funded PhD in Plant Shoot Branching Evolution, Fossils, Ferns and Genes University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Paleontology
Funding
Competition funded PhD project. Annual stipend is above the BBSRC minimum level; includes £5,500 per year for department laboratory fees and £700 for books, conferences and travel. Tuition fees are paid by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. The stipend level for 2027/28 will be £26,212. Up to an additional £3,000 may be claimed for extra expenses during a six-month research stay at another university/institute in year 3 or 4.
Deadline
Nov 9, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
Funded PhD project in plant evolution, molecular palaeobotany, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), palaeontology, and plant biology at the University of Edinburgh.
Project title: Branching Out: what fossils, ferns and genes reveal about the evolution of shoot branching architecture in plants.
This interdisciplinary PhD will investigate how modern plant shoot architectures evolved, focusing on the transition from early dichotomous branching to later lateral and axillary branching in vascular plants. The project combines three linked approaches: (1) fossil evidence from early branching plants, using collections at the University of Edinburgh and National Museums Scotland; (2) living ferns as a model system for comparing branching types across lycophytes, ferns, and seed plants; and (3) gene expression studies in ferns to understand developmental differences between branching modes.
The project is based in the Molecular Palaeobotany and Evolution Group led by Dr Sandy Hetherington at the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh. Supervision also includes Dr Annis Richardson (University of Edinburgh), Prof Jill Harrison (University of Bristol), and Dr Michael Sundue.
Funding: Competition-funded PhD studentship. Tuition fees are covered, and the studentship provides an annual stipend above the BBSRC minimum, plus £5,500 per year for department laboratory fees and £700 for books, conferences, and travel. The stipend level for 2027/28 is stated as £26,212. Additional support of up to £3,000 is available for a six-month research stay at another university/institute in year 3 or 4.
Eligibility/preferences: The call welcomes applicants with a strong interest in plant evolution and major evolutionary questions, especially those with backgrounds in evolution, evo-devo, or palaeontology. The project is open to students worldwide.
How to apply: Email a short cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV to Dr Sandy Hetherington at [email protected].
Deadline: Monday, 9 November 2026.
Funding details
Competition funded PhD project. Annual stipend is above the BBSRC minimum level; includes £5,500 per year for department laboratory fees and £700 for books, conferences and travel. Tuition fees are paid by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. The stipend level for 2027/28 will be £26,212. Up to an additional £3,000 may be claimed for extra expenses during a six-month research stay at another university/institute in year 3 or 4.
What's required
Applicants should have a passion for plant evolution, a drive to tackle major evolutionary questions, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work. Backgrounds aligned with evolution, evo-devo, or palaeontology are welcomed.
How to apply
Send a short cover letter of no more than 2 pages and a CV to Dr Sandy Hetherington by email. Use the project contact email provided in the post.
More information can be found here
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