EASTBIO PhD: Ageing and Physiological Resilience in Svalbard Reindeer

Laplace Apply; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship

Scientific conferences funding

Job summary

University of Aberdeen offers EASTBIO PhD studentship focusing on ageing and physiological resilience in Svalbard reindeer. The project uses longitudinal observations and blood samples from individually monitored female Svalbard reindeer to separate ageing effects from environmental and reproductive influences.

The position involves RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analysis and bioinformatics within an ecophysiology framework, with strong quantitative components and potential for part-time

Qualifications

• UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; 2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level.
• Experience with longitudinal life-history modelling and omics data analysis desirable.
• Strong computational and data analysis skills in biology, ecology or evolution.

Responsibilities

• Conduct longitudinal analyses combining life-history data with omics datasets.
• Perform RNA sequencing and DNA methylation analyses.
• Apply bioinformatics approaches to interpret results and support Arctic adaptation research.

Skills

Longitudinal life-history modelling

RNA sequencing

DNA methylation analysis

Bioinformatics

Ecophysiology

R

Python

Bioconductor

Education

UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level

Tools

R

Python

Bioconductor

Job description

EASTBIO PhD: Ageing and Physiological Resilience in Svalbard Reindeer

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom

Apply by 16 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

University of Aberdeen offers eastbio phd: ageing and physiological resilience in svalbard reindeer in Aberdeen. The specific focus is the project uses repeated observations and blood samples from individually monitored female svalbard reindeer to separate physiological ageing from environmental and reproductive influences.

The project uses repeated observations and blood samples from individually monitored female Svalbard reindeer to separate physiological ageing from environmental and reproductive influences. It links winter fat reserves, RNA expression and DNA methylation with climate-related stress and individual differences in senescence. The advertised activities and techniques include longitudinal life-history modelling, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analysis, bioinformatics, ecophysiology.Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: Based on the documented research scope, this may particularly suit ecology, evolutionary biology or computational biology applicants interested in Arctic adaptation and ageing.Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: EASTBIO competitive selection; a strong quantitative component; part-time only for Home students.Overall Opportunity Assessment: The advertised work connects longitudinal life-history modelling, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analysis, bioinformatics, ecophysiology. Its distinguishing purpose is the project uses repeated observations and blood samples from individually monitored female Svalbard reindeer to separate physiological ageing from environmental and reproductive influences. Applicants should assess the documented academic and practical constraints before proceeding.

longitudinal life-history modelling RNA sequencing DNA methylation analysis bioinformatics ecophysiology

Level PhD

Duration 4 years

Programme EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Scholarship

Funding Type Scholarship

Requirements

Education

At least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; 2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level.

Experience

Technical Skills longitudinal life-history modelling RNA sequencing DNA methylation analysis bioinformatics ecophysiology

General Skills

Languages

UKRI/EASTBIO funding requirements apply; international entrants are subject to a 30% cap and must fund visa and health surcharge costs.