Primary Supervisor – Dr. Rebecca Taylor

background

Natural environments are changing rapidly due to human-induced climate change. How populations respond to these changes determines whether they adapt to more stressful environments through plasticity and/or evolution, or whether they become extinct. This creates an urgent need to understand the physiological mechanisms that regulate organisms’ responses to environmental stresses. Recent discoveries suggest that organisms may transmit environmentally induced phenotypic changes to multiple generations of their offspring through non-genetic mechanisms. This phenomenon, called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, has changed the way we think about evolutionary processes and the impact of environments on natural populations. However, much about this process remains unknown. This project questions whether activation of critical cellular stress responses is transmitted between generations; whether this transition gives populations increased survival in stressful environments and enhances Darwinian fitness; How is this inheritance achieved mechanically?

methodology

It will determine whether two major cellular stress responses can be transmitted via non-genetic inheritance across generations after exposure of parental animals to environmental stressors. You will then determine whether this transgenerational inheritance enhances population resistance to environmental stress, and whether activation of the inherited stress response enhances individual fitness. Finally, you will explore the mechanistic basis of this inheritance by using scRNA-seq to establish a transcriptional signature of stress response inheritance, and by examining candidate regulators for their roles in this process. You will use Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to explore these effects – the first system for studying epigenetic inheritance across generations. Together, these approaches will identify a mechanism by which cellular responses to stressful environments can be inherited non-genetically, and determine whether this inheritance serves an adaptive purpose.

an exercise

You will gain a wide range of skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentation. You will also build expertise in developmental biology, cell biology, and physiological techniques. In addition, you will participate in training courses, external conferences, local seminars, research discussion groups and journal clubs.

Person specifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and motivated individual with a strong interest in evolution, ecology, genetics, and the biology of the stress response.

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: degree related to biological sciences.

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.