Publisher
source

University of East Anglia

PhD Studentship: 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

Fully-funded ARIES studentship (fees, stipend, RTSG); international fee waiver available.

Deadline

Oct 1, 2026

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of East Anglia

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

University of East Anglia

Country flag

United Kingdom

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, ances...

Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Population Genetics
+8 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

University of East Anglia

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of East Anglia in Evolutionary Genomics of Mimicry in Neotropical Catfishes , hosted by the School of Biological Sciences and supervised by Dr Martin Taylor . This project explores how mimicry evolves in Neotropical Corydoradinae catfishes, using comparative and population genomics to study repeated origins of similar colour patterns across more than 30 mimicry communities in South America. The research asks which genomic regions show divergent selection, whethe...

Evolutionary Biology
Population Genetics
Biology
+4 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences

Country flag

United Kingdom

Funded PhD opportunity at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) in London, United Kingdom, on spatial and three-dimensional genome regulation during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) . This project explores how chromatin architecture, promoter-enhancer communication, boundary formation, insulation, and spatially restricted transcriptional states are coordinated as the embryonic genome becomes active. The work sits at the intersection of developmental genomics , chromatin biology , genomics ...

Molecular Biology
Biology
Genetic
+2 more

4 weeks ago

Publisher
source

John Innes Centre

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, United Kingdom: Manipulating meiotic crossover control in wheat . This project sits at the intersection of genetics , genomics , plant cell biology , molecular genetics , bioinformatics , and quantitative genetics , with a strong applied focus on improving wheat breeding. The research asks whether meiotic crossover patterns in wheat can be deliberately altered to increase recombination in regions of the genome that are normally difficult to br...

Molecular Biology
Population Genetics
Agriculture
+5 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

University of East Anglia

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of East Anglia in the School of Biological Sciences on Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance of Responses to Environmental Stress . This project investigates how environmental stress responses may be transmitted across generations through non-genetic / epigenetic inheritance . Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, the research will examine whether key cellular stress responses can be inherited, whether this improves survival and fitness under stress...

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
+5 more

3 weeks ago

Keywords

Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Population Genetics
Environmental Science
Biology
Conservation Biology
Zoology
Invasive Species Management
Museum Studies
Genetic Diversity
Ancient Dna
Mammalogy
Genetic
Genomic
Bioinformatic

About this position

This PhD project at the University of East Anglia investigates the genomic history and conservation of the British red squirrel, a species that has experienced dramatic population decline due to invasive species, hunting, and deforestation. The research will utilize historical DNA techniques to sequence whole genomes from both surviving British red squirrel populations and continental reference populations, as well as museum specimens.

The aim is to directly analyze changes in genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load over time, and to evaluate the impact of historical introductions on the current genetic makeup of British squirrels. The project will also test the hypothesis that repeated introductions have led to genetic swamping, resulting in the loss of native ancestry and local adaptations. The student will receive comprehensive training in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and population genetics, and will participate in journal clubs, seminars, and conferences to develop critical thinking and science communication skills. The ideal candidate should have a background in biological sciences such as genetics, molecular biology, zoology, evolution, ancient DNA, or archaeology, and a strong interest in genomics and evolutionary biology.

Entry requirements include a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 6 in each category). The position is full-time and starts on 1 October 2026. Funding is provided through a fully-funded ARIES studentship, which covers tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.

Funding details

Fully-funded ARIES studentship (fees, stipend, RTSG); international fee waiver available.

What's required

Applicants must hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree in Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Zoology, Evolution, Ancient DNA, or Archaeology. Strong interest in genomics, wet-lab work, and evolution is preferred. English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6 in each category.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.