About the Project
Plant species have different microevolutionary patterns to animal species, with Reproductive Isolation (RI) evolving faster and in more often in sympatry. This could be related to a higher proportion of repeats and transposable elements in the genome2. We have evidence that expansion in repeats leads to Reproductive Isolation within species in Begonia3. This project will test the role of repeats in early and sympatric Reproductive Isolation in plants using the Begonia living collection at RBGE and Glasgow.
Previous work has established that RI ranges from minimal to complete within the recent radiation of Begonia section Gireoudia in mesoAmerica. Of the 113 accepted taxa in this group we have 38 Gireoudia species at RBGE. The species we have in the living collection include several species regularly found in sympatry, some with documented hybrid populations in the wild and some isolated endemics. Section Gireoudia flower annually in our greenhouses and seed to seed takes about 9 months. We will complete the crossing grid and measure fertility in F1s, and backcrosses and self F2s. Where there are barriers we will establish when they operate by using imaging of pollen growth and embryo development.
We already have good reference genomes for two species within Gireoudia and skim data from populations of a third. We will use the living collection to generate 10 further reference genomes and hybrid capture of herbarium specimens to provide population level data on patterns of diversity and gene flow. We will combine published data in the Flora of MesoAmerica with information from herbarium specimens and World Flora Online to establish distributions and niche descriptions for all the species in section Gireoudia to determine geographic and niche distances.
Dr Headland will direct an analysis of leaf shape variation across the group and we will use this as a measure of phenotypic distance to determine whether RI evolves in pace with or at a different rate to morphological change.
These four sources of data (full crossing matrix, whole genome data, analysis of species ranges, morphometrics) will be combined will be to test:
- How quickly does RI evolve in Begonia?
- Does RI related to variation in coding regions or repeat structure?
- Can RI evolve and persist in sympatry?
- Does RI evolve faster or slower than morphological change?
This project will reveal the genetic nature of Begonia species and will further understanding of the evolution of both this taxon and general patterns of diversity in tropical herbs.
Students will require a basic knowledge of bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics and plant development. They will require aptitude in modelling/coding and in molecular biology. They will develop skills in genomics, population genetics, herbariumonics, morphometrics and distribution modelling.
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, before proceeding with your application.
Applicants should apply to the PhD in Biological Sciences with Internship programme via the University of Edinburgh's admissions portal (Euclid) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
Important: Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form to ensure reference letters are submitted using the correct format.
When completing the Euclid application, applicants should include:
- the project title
- the proposed research supervisor(s)
- anticipated funding source (i.e. EastBio/ Edinburgh Doctoral College Award)
- the completed EastBio application form, uploaded to the Research Proposal Section
- referee details or completed reference letters using the template EastBio reference form. Please note: If you submit only the referee details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their reference letter. However, the submitted letter must be using the template form, so please share this with them in advance.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to Euclid is midday on Monday 16 November 2026.
Reference letters will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Submitted applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview. If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you through Euclid to request this. Please check your emails and the Euclid portal regularly.
Please be aware The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without further notice.
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded. Applicants 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 is open to students worldwide has financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, funding towards project costs, and tuition fee cover. For further guidance; EastBio website; no separate application is required for consideration of the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award.
