About the Project Every evolutionary change begins with a new mutation. But what happens to a new mutation once it
appears? Does it help an organism survive and reproduce, or does it disappear without leaving a trace? How these new mutations affect evolution remains an open question in evolutionary biology. Some studies suggest that most new mutations have little or no effect on fitness, while others suggest that many are subject to natural selection. The evidence is still mixed, partly because the methods we currently use to measure these effects have important limitations. This project will develop new theory and methods to understand how new mutations affect fitness, and to estimate these effects from evolutionary data. We will use statistical and computational approaches, including Bayesian inference and deep learning, to study the distribution of fitness effects across different types of data, from experimental evolution and natural populations to comparisons among species. We will then ask how this distribution changes across evolutionary timescales and across the Tree of Life. This project is aimed at students who are curious about the fundamental rules that shape life and who enjoy combining evolutionary biology with mathematical modelling and statistics. A quantitative background is preferred, but students with a strong interest in biology and a willingness to develop their quantitative skills are also encouraged to apply. If you are not sure whether your background is a good fit, please do not hesitate to contact me at rb251@st-andrews.ac.uk . You can find the group's most recent publications on my personal webpage: https://mrborges23.github.io/mypage/ How to Apply Application instructions can be found on the EASTBIO website - How to Apply | EastBio Doctoral Training Partnership | Biology Download and complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey. Download and complete the EASTBIO Application Form. Please complete an application on our online portal: How to apply - Study at St Andrews - University of St Andrews Select the course 'PhD with internship' Your online application must include the following documents: Completed EASTBIO application form Academic Qualifications English Language Qualification (if applicable) 2 References: this must be completed on the EASTBIO Reference Form, also found on the EASTBIO website. Please download the EASTBIO reference form and send it to your referees. They can either upload it directly to the portal using the automated email they will receive, or they can email it to Rachel at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk Contact Queries on the project can be directed to the project supervisor at rb251@st-andrews.ac.uk Queries on the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk UKRI eligibility guidance: Terms and Conditions: View Website International/EU: View Website Funding Notes This 4 year PhD project is part of a competition funded by EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.
