PhD Studentship: The Net Effect of Sex on Adaptation

Background  

Why is sexual reproduction nearly ubiquitous among eukaryotes? Investing into offspring that are only half yours is known as the 2-fold cost of sex. What stops an asexual mutant lineage from invading and taking over? One hypothesis is that sex allows more efficient purging of deleterious mutations from the genome. But not all genetic variation is selected in such a sexually concordant (SC) way. Sexually antagonistic (SA) genetic variation, where opposite alleles are fitter in males versus females, can drive populations toward extinction and/or maintain genetic variation for future adaptation. The relative impact of SA versus SC selection in the long-run remains untested. This integrative project will advance our understanding of the impact of sex on evolutionary adaptation with relevance to wildlife management, preparing you for careers in academia and industry alike. 

Project 

The research integrates comparative genomics in Drosophila with population genetic simulations: 

• What is the net effect of males?  

- Computer simulations in SLiM to establish the theoretical net effect of SA and SC selection on population viability and adaptation. 

• Is sex-specific selection adaptive in the long-run?  

- Comparing lab-estimated genomic targets of selection among ten Drosophila species. 

• How do facultatively asexual species differ?  

- Contrasting genomic targets of sex-specific selection between ten obligate sexual versus six facultatively asexual species of Drosophila.  

• How has sex-specific selection shaped Drosophila’s temperate-climate adaptation?  

- Population genomic analyses of SA and SC genomic targets in relation to Drosophila’s recent adaptation out of Africa.  

 Training  

UEA is an enriching research environment, part of the broader Norwich Research Park including numerous biotech institutes offering bioinformatic training and support. The department features a highly collaborative community of leading experts in evolutionary biology and forms part of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation. You will receive direct training from the primary supervisor (KG) and his lab in evolutionary theory, population genetics, Drosophila husbandry, experimental design, biological statistics, bioinformatics, and scientific writing. 

Person specification  

Degree in biology / ecology / evolution / genetics / similar 

Helpful skills: Drosophila experience, evolutionary knowledge, enthusiasm to learn statistics / coding / bioinformatics. 

Funding details

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 (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) 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. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.  

After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form. One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete a separate form for each.

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