PhD Studentship: Sex and Selfish Genetic Elements in Molecular Evolution

Two PhD studentships (3.5 years) are available under the supervision of Prof. Adam Eyre-Walker, Biology department, School of Life Sciences.

Deadline: 31^st December 2023 (or open until filled, if possible)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:

Sexual selection is prevalent in many animal species. This classically takes two forms – males compete for access to females and females are choosy about who they mate with. Competition between males is expected to have two effects. First, it reduces the effective number of breeding individuals, because some males are much more successful than others; this increases the influence of genetic drift, a stochastic force in nature, and hence decreases the efficiency of selection. Second, it increases selection on males, by making males compete against each other. We will address several questions. Which of these two factors dominates the evolutionary dynamics? Are the effects more prevalent in certain types of genes?

Every genome contains transposable elements (TEs), sequences that propagate themselves and parasitise the genomic sequence. The evolution of these elements has been the focus of considerable research, however most of this work has centred on their effects and how they are maintained in the genome. There has been considerably less work on the sequences themselves. The project will focus on several questions. First, how do TEs maintain their sequence when they are always decaying?  Second, what factors determine the balance between propagation and removal; in particular what role does recombination play in the process of removal?

The Eyre-Walker research group addresses these questions using the statistical analysis of DNA sequence data and theoretical work. Further details of the research interests can be found at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/eyre-walkerlab/ and https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=p7SOj3IbOCIC&hl=en&oi=ao.

Informal enquiries about the project can be made to Adam Eyre-Walker at a.c.eyre-walker@sussex.ac.uk.

How to apply:

Please submit a formal application using the online admissions portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above) attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, personal statement, and two academic referees. A research proposal is not required.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Biology. Please state the project title under funding obtained and the supervisor’s name where required. Select a start date of either January, May, or September 2024.

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. An MSc degree will be advantageous. Your qualification should be in Biology or a related subject area. You may also be considered for the position if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g., from Black and other ethnic minorities – who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution.

For enquiries about the application process, please email Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

Advert information