Genetic load, fitness and conservation in the Seychelles warbler

Genetic load, fitness and conservation in the Seychelles warbler

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor David S Richardson, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

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

Professor Hannah Dugdale, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen

 

Scientific Background

Genetic variation within populations is essential to their ability to adapt and survive, but most mutations that change function are deleterious. We can now estimate the effect of each mutation in a genome based on biomolecular properties. Such mutation-effect scores are increasingly used to understand individual and population health in the real world. However, how these scores translate into fitness (survival/reproductive success) under natural conditions has not been tested. Furthermore, our understanding of how conservation actions (e.g. translocations) affect the distribution, and thus impact, of such mutations within endangered populations is limited. Addressing these knowledge gaps is important for realising the potential of genomic data in evolutionary ecology and conservation.

The long-term study of Seychelles warblers Acrocephalus sechellensis, on Cousin Island provides an excellent system for this PhD. Our database contains data on survival and reproductive success, combined with whole-genome sequences, from 1922 individuals. We also have samples from all four populations established from Cousin by translocation.

 

Research Methodology

You can undertake fieldwork (optional) to collect samples and extend the fitness database, molecular work to sequence additional genomes, and bioinformatics to define mutation-effect scores, thus generating an exceptionally powerful database.

The following novel objectives can then be tackled, with components being developed and prioritised according to your interests:

1)         Test the relationship between mutation-scores and individual fitness, including determining the added value (beyond metrics of inbreeding) of such scores in predicting fitness

2)         Quantify drift load (the reduction in fitness caused by deleterious mutations that have become fixed by drift) in the original and translocated populations.

3)         Use Population Viability Analyses to investigate how mutation-scores can inform assisted gene flow to reduce deleterious mutation effects and improve population viability.

 

Training

At UEA you will join a thriving, friendly group, supported by a vibrant ARIES cohort, work with international collaborators (Netherlands, Seychelles), and within an exceptionally strong evolution/ecology/conservation research community. You will gain diverse research skills in fieldwork (ability-dependent), sequencing, bioinformatics, analysis, concepts, scientific writing and public communication. Training to increase transferable skills and employability will also be provided.

 

Person Specification

  • Understanding of evolutionary or conservation genetics/genomics
  • Experience in bioinformatics/coding preferred
  • Fieldwork skills (optional)

 

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biology/Ecology degree (or related), including genetics, genomics, evolution, and/or conservation, and with data handling training.

Project code: RICHARDSON_UEA_ARIES26

References

  • Bertorelle, G., Raffini, F., Bosse, M., Bortoluzzi, C., Iannucci, A., Trucchi, E., Morales, H.E., van Oosterhout, C., 2022. Genetic load: genomic estimates and applications in non-model animals. Nature Reviews Genetics, 23(8), pp.492-503.
  • Worsley, SF, Davies, CS, Mannarelli, M-E, Komdeur, J, Dugdale, HL & Richardson, DS (2022), Assessing the causes and consequences of gut mycobiome variation in a wild population of the Seychelles warbler, Microbiome, vol.10, 242.
  • Wright DJ, Spurgin LG, Collar NJ, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS. (2014). The impact of translocations on neutral and functional genetic diversity within and among populations of the Seychelles warbler. Mol. Ecol. 23: 2165-2177
  • Hammers, M, Kingma, S, Spurgin, L, Bebbington, K, Dugdale, H, Burke, T, Komdeur, J & Richardson, DS (2019). Breeders that receive help age more slowly in a cooperatively breeding bird. Nature Comms. 10, (1) 130
  • Dussex, N., Morales, H.E., Grossen, C., Dalén, L., van Oosterhout, C., 2023. Purging and accumulation of genetic load in conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 38(10), pp.961-969.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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