Evolution Education Trust PhD project: Evolution of genome composition in a social microbe

The University of Bath is inviting applications for this PhD opportunity based at the Milner Centre for Evolution, a unique, cross-faculty research centre bridging biology, health and education. The Centre is dedicated to a broad range of fundamental research questions relating to evolutionary biology; from in deep time, to the micro-evolutionary dynamics of a disease outbreak. We have a strong focus on public engagement and outreach. We are located in a dedicated multi-million-pound building that opened on the University campus in September 2018. For further information about the centre see https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/milner-centre-for-evolution/.

Project Overview:

The advent of low-cost DNA sequencing unleashed a revolution that dramatically changed our understanding of how genes and genomes evolve. One of the most surprising findings emerging from this revolution is that genomes can be remarkably variable across individuals, populations, and environments. This contrasts with the classic perspective that assumes a species can be characterised by a static list of genes in the ‘reference’ genome, which is typically derived by sequencing a single individual. However, this perspective has been upended by large-scale genomic data, which have allowed us to compare genomes to reveal the fact that genomes often vary in gene content and organisation. In bacteria, this intraspecific genomic diversity can reflect horizontal gene movement across lineages, but in eukaryotes it likely reflects more complex processes governing gene birth and decay. To understand the processes driving genome diversity we will use a eukaryotic social microbe, which has a complex life-history and variable ecology. To achieve this goal, we will combine genome sequences from broad geographic samples with detailed profiles of gene expression and trait variation.

Candidate:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Applications:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Jason Wolf, [Email Address Removed]

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUBB-FP02&code2=0013

On the application form, please ensure that you quote ‘Evolution Education Trust’ in the Finance section and the supervisor’s name and project title in the ‘Your research interests’ section. Should you wish to be considered for more than project, quote the projects in order of preference and upload a separate personal statement relevant to each one.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Interviews will take place in Bath on 14 June 2019.

Anticipated start date: 30 September 2019.