Primary Supervisor – Professor David S Richardson

Scientific background

Genetic variation between populations is essential for their ability to adapt and survive, but most mutations that change their function are deleterious. We can now estimate the effect of each mutation in the genome based on biomolecular characteristics. These results of the effect of mutations are increasingly used to understand the health of individuals and populations in the real world. However, how these scores translate to fitness (survival/reproductive success) under natural conditions has not been tested. Furthermore, our understanding of how conservation actions (e.g. translocation) influence the distribution, and thus their impact, of these mutations within endangered populations is limited. Addressing these knowledge gaps is important to realize the potential of genomic data in evolutionary and conservation ecology.

The long-term study of the Seychelles warbler, Acrocephalus sechellensis, on Cousin Island, provides an excellent PhD scheme. Our database contains data on survival and reproductive success, as well as whole genome sequences, from 1922 individuals. We also have samples from the four populations identified from Cousin by transmission.

Research and training methodology

You can undertake field work (optional) to collect samples and expand the fitness database, molecular work to sequence additional genomes, and bioinformatics to determine degrees of mutation effect, thus creating an exceptionally robust database.

The following new goals can then be addressed, with components developed and prioritized according to your interests:

1) Test the relationship between mutation scores and individual fitness, including determining the added value (beyond measures of inbreeding) of these scores in predicting fitness

2) Measure drift load (reduction in fitness caused by deleterious mutations that become fixed by drift) in native and translocated populations.

3) Use population viability analyzes to investigate how mutation outcomes can benefit the flow of helper genes to reduce the effects of deleterious mutations and improve population viability.

At the University of East Anglia, you will join a thriving and friendly group, supported by the vibrant ARIES group, and work with international collaborators (Netherlands, Seychelles), and within an exceptionally strong evolutionary/ecological/conservation research community. You will acquire diverse research skills in fieldwork (ability-based), sequencing, bioinformatics, analysis, conceptualization, scientific writing, and public communication. Training will also be provided to increase transferable skills and employability.

Person specifications

Understanding evolutionary or conservation genetics/genomics

Experience in bioinformatics/coding preferred

Field work skills (optional)

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: Biology/ecology (or related) degree, including genetics, genomics, evolution, and/or conservation, with training in data handling

Start date: 1^street October 2026

Finance

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.