The key question addressed in this project is to determine why each sex typically has a different length of life.
Males and females possess distinct morphological, physiological and behavioural characteristics, of which differences in lifespan are among the most striking, but perhaps the least well understood. Length of life can also be extraordinarily plastic – varying significantly with reproductive status and nutrient availability. However, the extent to which lifespan is plastic in each sex also differs markedly. For example, sex differences in male vs female lifespan in fruitflies can be completely reversed by manipulations of diet and mating status via dramatic effects on females.
The main aim of the project is to test the idea that differences in male and female lifespan arise because each sex chooses and require different nutrients to maximise their lifespan and fitness. The student will test this using the latest experimental and bioinformatic tools in the fruitfly system.
The core idea is to test the effects of different experimental diets separately on male and female fitness, in the presence and absence of dietary choice. The student will profile ageing phenotypes and physiological measures of health and fitness throughout life, and identify the loci and regulatory mechanisms contributing to sex-specific lifespan.
The student will train at the cutting edge interface of ageing, life history and bioinformatics, to test fundamental concepts of ageing. The project is a collaboration with the Earlham Institute, a world-leading research centre for bioinformatics. They will gain cutting-edge research skills in bioinformatics, molecular genetics and life history study. They will train at the UEA and Earlham Institute, and will gain key insights into the development and application of transferrable techniques. They will receive excellent training and career development from the thriving Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2022 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Tuesday 25th January, Wednesday 26th January and Thursday 27th January 2022.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please visit the UEA website www.uea.ac.uk
The start date is 1 October 2022
Entry requirements: At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
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