PhD Studentship: Functional Genomics of Sexually Antagonistic Selection
Investigate the evolutionary genetics and molecular mechanisms of sexual antagonism using fruit flies and bioinformatics.
Best for:Best for biology graduates with a strong interest in evolutionary genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques.
Overview
This 4-year PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers an exciting opportunity to explore sexual antagonism, a major evolutionary puzzle where genetic variants benefit one sex while harming the other. Working within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, the successful candidate will combine bioinformatics, genome engineering, and advanced sequencing. The project aims to identify consistent sexually antagonistic loci, validate their fitness effects using CRISPR-Cas9 allele swaps in Drosophila melanogaster, and investigate underlying molecular mechanisms. The student will receive interdisciplinary training and contribute to understanding biological conservation, aging, and human health.
What you'll do
- Identify and characterise consistent sexually antagonistic loci across multiple genomic studies.
- Perform CRISPR-Cas9 allele swaps in fruit flies to validate sex-specific fitness effects and traits.
- Investigate underlying molecular mechanisms ranging from gene regulation to alternative splicing.
- Apply cutting-edge bioinformatics and state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to large datasets.
- Collaborate with researchers across the broader Norwich Research Park on advanced transcriptomics and long-read sequencing.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in a relevant biological or computational discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong background in evolutionary biology, genetics, or molecular biology
- Familiarity with bioinformatics and data analysis techniques
- Interest in molecular genetics and genome engineering methodologies
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Interested applicants should submit their application through the university postgraduate admissions portal before the specified deadline. Ensure all required supporting documents are prepared and uploaded according to the instructions provided on the application page.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
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