Primary Supervisor – Dr. Martin Taylor

Scientific background

Mimicry – where species share similar color patterns to indicate their unpalatability – is one of the most obvious examples of natural selection in action. While there are famous instances in Heliconius butterflies and poison dart frogs, South American catfishes (Corydoras and related genera) present a lesser-known but equally fascinating system. In rivers and streams across the continent, communities of multicolored catfish coexist, forming diverse mimicry “rings.”

This project will use whole genome resequencing to address three key questions:

1. What regions of the genome show differential selection across epitopes with different color patterns?
2. Are there signatures of selective sweeps in species within individual mimicry rings that share color patterns?
3. Do evolutionary rates of pigmentation-related genes differ between mimetic and non-mimetic species?

Ultimately, this research will shed light on a fundamental question in evolutionary biology: Do independent episodes of mimicry rely on the same genes to produce color patterns, or are there different solutions each time mimicry evolves?

Research methodology

You will work with existing high-quality genome sequences at the chromosome level and will perform additional genome re-sequencing of species from different mimicry loops. The project combines molecular biology and cutting-edge bioinformatics, including positive selection detection and selective sweeps, to reveal the genetic basis of color pattern mimicry. Most specimens are available at the host laboratory, with potential opportunities for field work in South America.

Training and skills development

The doctoral degree will provide comprehensive training in:

• Molecular techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, next generation sequencing library preparation.
• Bioinformatics: comparative genomics analysis, selection detection, functional genomics, and genetics.
• Computational skills: UNIX/Linux, HPC computing, programming in R and Python.

You will gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and computational methods, equipping you with a strong skill set for work in the field of evolutionary genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics.

Person specifications

This project is ideal for individuals who are curious and passionate about exploring the genetics behind one of nature’s most interesting phenomena.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Degree in biological sciences, genetics or related.
• Strong interest in evolutionary biology.
• Capacity in bioinformatics. Experience with R or another scripting language is beneficial.

Entry requirements

At least a UK BA (Hons) equivalency of 2:1. English language requirements (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Acceptable first degree: Biological Sciences, Genetics, Zoology

Study method

Full time

Start date

October 1, 2026

Financing information

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRITerms and Conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded scholarship, which covers fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26) and a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). A limited number of scholarships are available to international applicants, with the difference between ‘national’ and ‘international’ fees waived by the registered university. However, please note that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with moving to and living in the UK, such as visa costs or additional health fees.