Nigel Groome Studentship: Using museuomics to investigate the disappearance of the Mazarine Blue and Large Copper butterflies in the UK
PhD
Studentship
Key facts
Start dates
September 2025 / October 2025
Application deadline
Friday 25 April 2025 - 12 noon.
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Supervisor(s)
More details
Eligibility: Home UK/EU and International applicants
Bursary p.a: equivalent to UKRI national minimum stipend plus fees (current 2025/26 bursary rate: £20,780)
University fees and bench fees will be met by the University for the 3 years of the studentship. Visa & associated costs not funded.
Overview
Climate change and habitat degradation are causing global biodiversity declines. Extinction risk is acute for insects, which are difficult to monitor but are often of direct or indirect socioeconomic importance. Museum samples are a treasure trove for understanding past extinction events and preventing future losses, but their use remains limited.
This project aims to use whole genome sequence (WGS) data from museum samples of Mazarine Blue and Large Copper butterflies to conduct a genomic investigation of their demise in the UK. This will involve optimizing WGS sequencing protocols for working on museum specimens and developing best practices for museum metagenomics.
We will focus on, but not limited to, the following:
- Evaluating the impact of historical and more recent events on the disappearance of these two species.
- Did genetic factors like inbreeding and genetic load contribute to their extirpation?
- Did fungal or other microbial pathogens play a role in their demise?
Additional details
This project will be in collaboration with the Natural History Museum (London), Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the University of Edinburgh and potentially other museums.
We are looking for someone interested in conservation genomics, working with museum specimens and a desire to develop bioinformatics/data science skills. Lab and Bioinformatics training will be provided as part of the programme of study.
There will also be opportunity to participate in LepEU activities. For more information, interested candidates
are encouraged to contact Saad (sarif@brookes.ac.uk).
How to apply
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification.
Essential criteria
- Degree in relevant study area
- Interest or background in conservation genomics
- Bioinformatics experience/aptitude, some knowledge of R or Phyton
- Molecular Biology experience (PCR, DNA extraction, pipetting)
- Experience working with museum samples would be a plus
Whole genomes from the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly can help identify declining insect species
The last days of Aporia crataegi (L.) in Britain: Evaluating genomic erosion in an extirpated butterfly
The studentship requires you to undertake the equivalent of up to 6 hrs of teaching per week on average, during semester time, and to include preparation and marking (but no more than 20 hrs per week), and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.
English language requirements
International applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued in the last 2 years by an approved test centre.
Application process
Please download and follow the guideline instructions.
Contact hls-applications@brookes.ac.uk with any queries.
Director of Studies: Dr Saad Arif
Supervisors: Dr Korneel Hens
Project Contact: Dr Saad Arif.
This project is advertised on a competitive basis alongside other current Nigel Groome PhD studentship advertisements for Biological and Medical Sciences projects. Part time MPhil/PhD study will be exceptionally considered (Home Fee status applicants only).
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
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