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University of St Andrews

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PhD in Molecular Mechanisms of Social Behaviour and Temperature Change University of St Andrews in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

This is a 4-year competition-funded PhD project through the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Funding covers a stipend at the UKRI standard rate and UK-level tuition fees; the University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.

Deadline

Nov 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of St Andrews

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Ecology
Environmental Science
Biology
Animal Behavior
Zoology
Neuropsychology
Social Behavior
Genetic
Bioinformatic
Transcriptomic

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of St Andrews in the School of Biology, within the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership.

This project, “It’s getting hot in here: uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in social behaviour at increased temperatures,” explores how climate change and rising temperatures alter animal social behaviour and the molecular mechanisms behind those changes.

The study system is the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. The PhD will examine how temperature affects the switch between cooperative breeding and fighting behaviour, using lab-based temperature treatments and state-of-the-art molecular techniques to study brain gene expression.

Research and training will include animal behaviour, molecular biology, evolutionary ecology, transcriptomics, behavioural observations, animal husbandry, statistical modelling, and bioinformatics. The project also emphasizes transferable skills such as project management and oral communication.

Funding: 4 years, competition-funded, with stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK-level tuition fees covered. The University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.

Eligibility: Open to UK and international students. Applicants should follow EASTBIO/University of St Andrews application instructions and include the required forms, qualifications, English language evidence if applicable, and two references.

How to apply: Complete the EASTBIO EDI survey and application form, then submit an online application through the University of St Andrews portal for the course PhD with internship. Send the EASTBIO reference form to referees and direct application queries to Rachel Horn at [email protected].

Deadline: 2026-11-16.

Funding details

This is a 4-year competition-funded PhD project through the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Funding covers a stipend at the UKRI standard rate and UK-level tuition fees; the University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.

What's required

Applicants should be interested in animal behaviour, molecular biology, evolutionary ecology, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and statistical modelling. The project is open to students worldwide, with UKRI eligibility guidance applying; an English language qualification is required if applicable. Two references and academic qualifications must be submitted through the application portal.

How to apply

Download and complete the EASTBIO Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey and the EASTBIO Application Form. Submit an online application via the University of St Andrews portal for the course 'PhD with internship' and include the required documents and two references. Send the EASTBIO reference form to your referees if needed.

More information can be found here

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