Why we age and why there is variation between individuals in ageing rates is a crucial unanswered question in biology. We know that social environments can have big impacts on ageing and lifespan in many animals. This can be positive, for example stimulating cognitive abilities especially in later life, or negative, reducing lifespan through social stress. Our work shows that even fruit flies are sensitive to their social environment, which can change their behaviour, reproductive investment and ultimately lifespan. We also know that social environments alter gene expression, including of genes already associated with ageing, and that epigenetic modifiers are critical in being able to respond to social environments.
In this project we aim to build on our recent work to understand how social information is transformed into differences in ageing rates. To do this we can interfere with the sensory inputs that the flies receive and the candidate genes involved using transgenic flies. We will also describe the effect on gene expression processes using state-of-the-art sequencing technologies. This project would join up the information from sensory cues to genomic responses, so that we have an integrated understanding of the social environments effect on ageing.
Funding Note
This studentship is part of the BBSRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership in Mechanistic Biology. (https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/). Appointed candidates will be fully-funded for 4 years. The funding includes:
Tax-free annual UKRI stipend (£15,609 for 2021/22 starts. Awards increase every year, typically with inflation).
UK tuition fees (Around £4,500 per year)
Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG)
Conference and Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) allowances
We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from inside and outside the UK. We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
Not all projects will be funded; the DTP will appoint a limited number of candidates via a competitive process.
How to apply
Applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable).
To help us identify that you are applying for this studentship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- For source of funding please state you are applying for a White Rose BBSRC DTP funded studentship
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