PhD Studentship: Cryptic fitness consequences of a selfish X chromosome (NERC GW4+ DTP, September 2026 Entry) University of Exeter in United Kingdom

[Home tuition fees covered plus annual tax-free stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2026/27) for 3.5 years, £9,000 project costs, £2,000 conference budget, £1,000 training budget.]

The University of Exeter invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship investigating the cryptic fitness consequences of a selfish X chromosome, as part of the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) for September 2026 entry. This prestigious studentship is one of several competitive projects within the GW4+ DTP, a collaboration between the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University, and the University of Exeter, alongside leading research organisations such as the British Antarctic Survey and the Natural History Museum. The DTP provides broad training in earth and environmental sciences, preparing future leaders in these fields.

The project focuses on selfish X chromosomes, a unique form of 'unfair' mendelian genetics where males carrying a selfish X chromosome produce only female offspring due to the destruction of Y-bearing sperm. This phenomenon, observed in flies and rodents, is driven by toxin/antitoxin-like systems and has significant implications for population genetics and speciation. The research will explore how these chromosomes, which often carry multiple inversions to suppress recombination, accumulate deleterious mutations not accounted for in current gene drive models.

The successful candidate will investigate stress parameters to uncover hidden fitness effects of the selfish X chromosome in Drosophila testacea, leveraging new genetic tools that allow for visual genotyping. Key findings will be validated in additional species, and the student will have the opportunity to shape the research direction based on initial results. Training will be provided in gene-editing, molecular biology, microbiology, and population genetics modelling, supported by a supervisory team with expertise in infection and stress responses, reproductive biology, and genetics.

Funding for eligible students includes full coverage of home tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 (for 2026/27) for 3.5 years. Additional support includes a £9,000 budget for project costs, £2,000 for conference attendance, and £1,000 for specialist training. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as biology, genetics, or environmental science. Experience or interest in molecular biology, gene-editing, microbiology, or population genetics is desirable. International applicants must meet English language requirements.

The application deadline is 8 January 2027. For further information about the project, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor, M. Hanson, at [email protected]. To apply, visit the University of Exeter funding page and follow the instructions provided. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic research partnership and contribute to cutting-edge genetics research with real-world implications for evolutionary biology and environmental science.