Launch week offerEnds in00h00m00s
annual Promonthly Pro
University of Exeter
Just Landed
New Today
PhD Studentship: Investigating the Viability of a Mainland Re-introduction of the Glanville Fritillary Butterfly: A Genomic and Habitat Viability Assessment University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Physiology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Jan 7, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
Apply for this position
Free with an ApplyKite account: the application link, the deadline in your tracker and a check of your fit.
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
This PhD studentship examines whether a mainland re-introduction of Britain’s Glanville fritillary butterfly could be made viable through a combination of genomic evidence and habitat assessment. The project focuses on a species that survives as a single metapopulation on the Isle of Wight and asks whether inbreeding depression and low genetic diversity may be limiting its long-term persistence.
The researcher will work across conservation genomics, population recovery, field ecology and thermal physiology to evaluate whether genetically informed founders could establish a self-sustaining population at a new mainland site. Whole-genome data will be generated from butterflies on the Isle of Wight and compared with populations from the Channel Islands, Normandy and Åland to estimate diversity, inbreeding and genetic load. Crosses between individuals from different populations will be used to test whether admixed offspring show improved performance.
The project also includes field-based habitat work. Drone surveys will be used to assess potential reintroduction sites on the mainland, with a particular focus on fine-scale warm microclimates and their relationship to larval survival. Together, the genomic and ecological datasets are intended to inform whether genetic rescue is feasible and to help develop a protocol for restoring the species to part of its historic mainland range.
The supervisory team brings complementary expertise in conservation genomics, field ecology, thermal physiology and drone-based habitat surveying, giving the student training across the full pathway from genome analysis to reintroduction planning.
Funding details
Available
What's required
No specific entry requirements are stated in the advert beyond eligibility for the funded studentship.
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding application page. Use the provided application link and follow the studentship instructions on the site.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.