The University of Bath is inviting applications for this funded 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.
Start Date:
Monday 2 October 2023
Intended Supervisory Team:
Lead Supervisor: Prof Tamas Szekely (Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath)
Co-Supervisors: Prof Robert Freckleton (School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield) and Prof Brett Sandercock (Norwegian Institute for Natural Resources, Trondheim, Norway)
Overview of the Research:
Males and females often exhibit different mating preferences, pair-bonds and parenting behaviours: these evolutionary differences are labelled sex roles. Recent works by our team is uncovering a hitherto neglected aspect of sex roles: the ratio of adult males and females in the population that can modulate the roles of males and females in reproduction. This PhD project will spearhead a new research programme in studies of sexual selection and breeding systems by uncovering how sex ratios lead to female-driven or male-driven pair-bonding and parenting. Arctic shorebirds (i.e. sandpipers, plovers and allies) are ideal model organisms to carry out this challenging research since they exhibit an outstanding diversity in both sex roles and sex ratios. Using a combination of state-of-the-art field biology in pristine wild habitats and deploying quantitative population demography, the student will uncover how sex ratios modulate mating and parenting behaviours of male and female shorebirds. By monitoring breeding behaviour, movements and survival of monogamous and polygamous Arctic shorebirds, the PhD Project will test the influence of ecological, life-history and demographic factors that lead to sex ratio skews, that in turn impact on sex roles. Since the climate is changing faster in the Arctic than in the rest of the planet, the Project will also test resilience of shorebird populations to climate change. Taken together, by developing demographic models and detailed behavioural and fitness estimates from wild bird populations, this multi-population Project will also predict the impacts of climatic variations on breeding systems and sex roles.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant discipline. 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 Tamas Szekely before applying (email address: [Email Address Removed]).
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Biology.
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.
Funding Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), who are interested in this project, should contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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