The University of Bath is inviting applications for this PhD opportunity commencing in October 2021 and based at the Milner Centre for Evolution.
Funding is available to candidates who qualify for ‘Home’ fee status only. Candidates from the EU/EEA are advised to check their eligibility before applying. Please see the Funding Eligibility section below.
Organisms often act in ways that are personally costly while providing benefits to others. Although such self-sacrifice can appear puzzling from the perspective of the individual, it can make economic sense from the perspective of the individual’s genes. Selfish genes accrue net benefits from their apparent self-sacrifices because the benefits are reaped by other individuals carrying copies of those genes (so genes end up helping copies of themselves). In many biological systems we see this scenario play out when individuals are altruistic to relatives. However, in many systems selfish genetic elements play a central role by controlling behaviour such that benefits are directed specifically to other copies of themselves, which typically requires genes to identify other carriers using some signals while also being able to recognise those signals in others. Richard Dawkins’ captured this idea in a thought experiment where a single gene produces a signal (a green beard), identifies that signal in others, and modifies behaviour to direct help towards other green bearded individuals. Such ‘greenbeard’ systems initially seemed unrealistic but have since been identified in a wide range of biological systems. However, they typically have properties that are at odds with theoretical expectations, including being highly polymorphic and multigenic. Clearly our understanding of the evolutionary processes that shape recognition, cooperation, and the role of greenbeard genes is insufficient. This studentship will address this problem by combining mathematical theory with analysis of genome sequence data from a model microbial system.
Candidate Requirements:
We require a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Candidates are encouraged to discuss the project directly with Prof Jason Wolf ([Email Address Removed]) before applying.
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form.
On the application form, quote ‘Evolution Education Trust’ in the Finance section and the supervisor’s name and project title in the ‘Your research interests’ section. If applying for more than one project, quote the projects in order of preference and upload a separate personal statement relevant to each one.
Your application must be complete when you submit it to us. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please ensure you have completed all fields on the application form and supplied the contact details of TWO referees willing to provide us with a reference when requested (one must be from your most recent place of study). Also, you should ensure that you have uploaded all the required documents. See our website for more information.
Interviews will take place on Monday 19 April 2021.
Funding Eligibility:
In order to be considered for a studentship, you must qualify as a ‘Home’ student. In determining ‘Home’ student status, we follow the UK government’s fee regulations which, when available, will be explained on the UKCISA website. Although the fee regulations for 2021/22 have not yet been published, we expect (subject to confirmation) the main categories of students generally eligible for ‘Home’ fee status will be:
- UK nationals (who have lived in the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland continuously since September 2018)
- Irish nationals (who have lived in the UK or Ireland continuously since September 2018)
- EU/EEA applicants with settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme (who have lived in the UK continuously since September 2018)
- EU/EEA applicants with pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme (who have lived in the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland or Gibraltar continuously since September 2018)
- Applicants with indefinite leave to enter/remain in the UK (who have been resident in the UK continuously since September 2018)
EU/EEA citizens who live outside the UK are unlikely to be eligible for ‘Home’ fees and funding.
Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage and on the GOV.UK website.