Qualification Type: | PhD |
---|---|
Location: | Norwich |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | £20,780 p.a. for 2025/26 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 10th October 2025 |
---|---|
Closes: | 7th January 2026 |
Reference: | TAYLORM_UEA_ARIES26 |
Primary Supervisor - Dr Martin Taylor
Scientific Background
Mimicry—where species share similar colour patterns to signal unpalatability—is one of the most striking examples of natural selection in action. While famous cases exist in Heliconius butterflies and poison arrow frogs, South American catfishes (Corydoras and related genera) offer a lesser-known yet equally fascinating system. In rivers and streams across the continent, multiple differently coloured catfish communities coexist, forming diverse mimicry “rings.”
This project will use whole-genome resequencing to tackle three key questions:
Ultimately, this research will shed light on a fundamental question in evolutionary biology: Do independent mimicry rings rely on the same genes to produce colour patterns, or are there different solutions each time mimicry evolves?
Research Methodology
You will work with existing high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequences and perform additional genome resequencing of species from different mimicry rings. The project combines molecular biology with cutting-edge bioinformatics, including detection of positive selection and selective sweeps, to uncover the genetic basis of colour pattern mimicry. Most samples are available in the host laboratory, with potential opportunities for fieldwork in South America.
Training and Skills Development
This PhD will provide comprehensive training in:
You will gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and computational approaches, equipping you with a strong skill set for a career in evolutionary genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics.
Person Specification
This project is ideal for a curious and motivated individual to explore the genetics behind one of nature’s most intriguing phenomena.
We are looking for candidates with:
Entry Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Acceptable first degree: Biological Sciences, Genetics, Zoology
Mode of Study
Full-time
Start Date
1 October 2026
Funding Information
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 (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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.
Type / Role:
Subject Area(s):
Location(s):