This PhD project will investigate karyotype evolution across the Orobanchaceae, a diverse plant family that includes both free-living and parasitic species and exhibits striking variation in chromosome number and genome structure. The student will use newly available, high-quality chromosome-level genome assemblies to reconstruct changes in chromosome number and identify the genomic signatures of chromosome fusion, fission and polyploidy. Comparative analyses will examine the locations of chromosomal breakpoints, the repetitive sequences associated with structural change, and the consequences of karyotype evolution for genome organisation and gene content.
The project will provide training in comparative genomics and phylogenomics. There will also be opportunities for the student to shape the project around particular evolutionary questions or lineages. Depending on their interests, they may undertake field or collection-based sampling to obtain additional species for genomic sequencing, or to compare the results to other lineages. The project therefore offers an integrated investigation of chromosome evolution, combining computational analysis of existing datasets with opportunities to produce and analyse new data.
For more information on the project, eligibility and how to apply for the School's PhD programme, please click on the "Visit Institution Website" link.
Please download and complete the mandatory documents from the EastBio "how to apply" website linked below, before proceeding with your EUCLID application.
Applicants should apply to the School's Biological Sciences PhD programme via the University's admissions portal (EUCLID) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
In the Euclid application, applicants should state the project title and research supervisor, their anticipated funding source (e.g. EastBio) and upload their EastBio application form via the Research Proposal Section.
Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form, available on the EastBio website. Once you have submitted your application in Euclid and provided your referees' contact details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their EastBio reference.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to EUCLID is midday on Monday 16th November 2026. References will be accepted up to two weeks after the closing date. Applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview.
Funding Notes
This 4-year PhD project is fully funded.
Applicants who apply will be considered for either an EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award or the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award. Successful applicants will join the EastBio cohort as an EastBio-funded or associate-funded student. Those joining will undertake a mandatory training programme which includes a 3-month placement.
This opportunity is open to students worldwide and provides financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, a project grant, and tuition fee cover.
