PhD Studentship: The Net Effect of Sex on Adaptation

University of East Anglia; Norwich; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully-funded studentship

Job summary

University of East Anglia invites applications for a fully-funded ARIES PhD studentship integrating comparative genomics in Drosophila with population genetics simulations. The project explores sexually antagonistic vs concordant selection and its impact on adaptation, with strong training in theory, bioinformatics and statistics.

You will work under a leading supervisor, with access to cutting-edge genetics facilities at the Norwich Research Park.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology / ecology / evolution / genetics / similar.
• Helpful skills: Drosophila experience, evolutionary knowledge, enthusiasm to learn statistics / coding / bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Integrate comparative genomics in Drosophila with population genetic simulations.
• Use SLiM to study SA vs SC selection on population viability and adaptation.
• Compare lab-estimated genomic targets of selection among ten Drosophila species.
• Analyze population genomic targets of sex-specific selection in ten species.

Skills

Drosophila experience

Evolutionary knowledge

Statistics / coding / bioinformatics

Education

Biology / ecology / evolution / genetics

Tools

SLiM

Job description

Background

Why is sexual reproduction nearly ubiquitous among eukaryotes? Investing into offspring that are only half yours is known as the 2-fold cost of sex. What stops an asexual mutant lineage from invading and and taking over? One hypothesis is that sex allows more efficient purging of deleterious mutations from the genome. But not all genetic variation is selected in such a sexually concordant (SC) way. Sexually antagonistic (SA) genetic variation, where opposite alleles are fitter in males versus females, can drive populations toward extinction and/or maintain genetic variation for future adaptation. The relative impact of SA versus SC selection in the long-run remains untested. This integrative project will advance our understanding of the impact of sex on evolutionary adaptation with relevance to wildlife management, preparing you for careers in academia and industry alike.

Project

The research integrates comparative genomics in Drosophila with population genetic simulations:

• What is the net effect of males?
  Computer simulations in SLiM to establish the theoretical net effect of SA and SC selection on population viability and adaptation.
• Is sex-specific selection adaptive in the long-run?
  Comparing lab-estimated genomic targets of selection among ten Drosophila species.
• How do facultatively asexual species differ?
  Contrasting genomic targets of sex‑specific selection between ten obligate sexual versus six facultatively asexual species of Drosophila.
• How has sex‑specific selection shaped Drosophila’s temperate‑climate adaptation?
  Population genomic analyses of SA and SC genomic targets in relation to Drosophila’s recent adaptation out of Africa.

Training

UEA is an enriching research environment, part of the broader Norwich Research Park including numerous biotech institutes offering bioinformatic training and support. The department features a highly collaborative community of leading experts in evolutionary biology and forms part of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation. You will receive direct training from the primary supervisor (KG) and his lab in evolutionary theory, population genetics, Drosophila husbandry, experimental design, biological statistics, bioinformatics, and scientific writing.

Person specification

Degree in biology / ecology / evolution / genetics / similar

Helpful skills: Drosophila experience, evolutionary knowledge, enthusiasm to learn statistics / coding / bioinformatics.

Funding details

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between “home” and “international” fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non‑academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.