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source

University of East Anglia

PhD in Historical Genomics of the Declining Red Squirrel in Britain University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

Competition funded PhD project. Funding details beyond funded status are not specified in the post.

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of East Anglia

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Population Genetics
Biology
Zoology
Biodiversity
Ancient Dna
Genetic
Conservation Genetics
Genomic
Bioinformatic

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of East Anglia in historical genomics, ancient DNA, conservation genetics, bioinformatics, evolution, and population genetics.

This project, supervised by Dr Anders Bergström at the School of Biological Sciences, focuses on the declining red squirrel in Britain. The research will investigate how historical population decline, invasive grey squirrels, hunting, deforestation, and past translocations from continental Europe have shaped the genetic make-up, ancestry, fitness, and genetic load of British red squirrels over time.

The project will use whole-genome sequencing of surviving British red squirrel populations and continental reference populations, alongside historical DNA from museum collections. The student will analyse changes in genetic diversity, inbreeding, local adaptation, and possible genetic swamping, with broader relevance to conservation and the genetics of population decline and rescue.

Training includes molecular biology, historical DNA methods, genomics, bioinformatics, and population genetics, plus journal clubs, seminars, conference presentations, critical thinking, and science communication.

Eligibility: a biological science background such as genetics, molecular biology, zoology, evolution, or ancient DNA; strong interest in wet-lab work, data analysis, and evolution. The entry requirement is at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 Bachelors (Honours). English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category.

Funding: listed as a Competition Funded PhD Project.

Location: Norwich, United Kingdom.

Start date: 1 October 2027. Interested applicants should register their interest via the FindAPhD project page; the university will respond directly.

Funding details

Competition funded PhD project. Funding details beyond funded status are not specified in the post.

What's required

Applicants should have at least UK equivalent of a Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 in a biological science such as genetics, molecular biology, zoology, evolution, or ancient DNA. Strong interest in genomics, wet-lab work, data analysis, and evolution is preferred. English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category.

How to apply

Register your interest through the FindAPhD enquiry form on the project page. The university will respond directly to your enquiry.

More information can be found here

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