Historical Genomics of the Declining Red Squirrel in Britain

Project Code: BERGSTROM_UEA_ARIES27

Historical Genomics of the Declining Red Squirrel in Britain

Project Code: BERGSTROM_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Anders Bergström, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Cock van Oosterhout, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

Dr Selina Brace, Natural History Museum

 

Scientific Background:

The red squirrel in Britain is one of the most iconic examples of a declining population. It has suffered greatly since the introduction of the invasive grey squirrel in the late 1800s, but even before then it was struggling due to hunting and deforestation. However, already since the late 1700s, people have tried to counter the decline by bringing in new red squirrels from continental Europe. How all these past processes have affected the genetic make-up, fitness and ancestry of British squirrels is very poorly understood.

 

Project Objectives:

This project will study the rollercoaster history of the red squirrel in Britain using historical DNA, which promises to add a whole new layer of understanding to the histories of species. By tracing the genetics of the red squirrel over the past few hundred years, the project has two goals:

1) To provide general insights into the genetics of population decline and rescue, broadly applicable across organisms.

2) To reconstruct the specific history of the widely cherished red squirrel, to potentially help future efforts to conserve it.

 

Research Methodology:

The project will sequence whole genomes from the few surviving British red squirrel populations, and continental reference populations. It will also use historical DNA techniques to sequence genomes from British squirrels in museum collections, to directly analyse how genetic diversity, inbreeding and genetic load has changed over time, and evaluate the effects that the many past translocations actually had on squirrel populations. The project will also address how much native British squirrel ancestry persists today, to test the hypothesis that the many introductions has led to a complete loss of native ancestry and local genetic adaptations (‘genetic swamping’).

 

Training:

The student will receive broad training in molecular biology, historical DNA, genomics, bioinformatics and population genetics. The student will take part in journal clubs and departmental seminars, present their work at conferences, and develop skills in critical thinking and science communication.

 

Person Specification:

The ideal candidate will have a background in a biological science (e.g. genetics, molecular biology, zoology, evolution, ancient DNA), and have strong interests in genomics, wet-lab work, data analysis, and evolution.

Acceptable first degree subject(s): Biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, zoology, archaeology

References

  • Genomic history of early dogs in Europe. Bergström et al., Nature, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10112-7
  • Gray wolf genomic history reveals a dual ancestry of dogs. Bergström et al., Nature, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04824-9
  • Genetic load: genomic estimates and applications in non-model animals. Bertorelle, G., Raffini, F., Bosse, M., Bortoluzzi, C., Iannucci, A., Trucchi, E., Morales, H.E., Van Oosterhout, C. Nature Reviews Genetics, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-022-00448-x
  • Purging and accumulation of genetic load in conservation. Dussex, N., Morales, H.E., Grossen, C., Dalén, L., van Oosterhout. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.008
  • Ancient DNA data hold insights into past organisms and ecosystems—handle them with more care. Bergström, A., Fellows Yates, J.A. and Warinner, C. Nature, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03993-z

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the University of East Anglia Application Portal