UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD - DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES in the SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES

The Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarship Centre in Evolutionary Genomics

Funding availability: Funded PhD project for UK/EU student
Closing date for applications: May 7th, 2017

We are seeking three PhD students to form the third cohort of scholars in Evolutionary Genomics for the Leverhulme Trust Centre at Huddersfield, to begin in September 2017. The successful scholars will receive training from leading experts and undertake cutting-edge research in archaeogenetics, palaeogenetics, bioinformatics, genomics, next-generation DNA sequencing, phylogenetics, population genetics and human evolution.

----------
PROJECT 1 - Sex-specific processes in European prehistory and beyond: Y-chromosome vs. mtDNA variation
Supervisor: Prof Martin B. Richards
Co-supervisors: Dr Maria Pala, Dr Ceiridwen Edwards & Prof Jim Wilson (University of Edinburgh)

This project will focus on aspects of the Y-chromosome archaeogenetics and palaeogenetics, and in particular the unique contribution that Y-chromosome variation seen in both ancient and contemporary samples can make (via comparisons with mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide data) to studies of sex-biased dispersal in human history. The project is planned to include cutting-edge ancient DNA work and to complement what is already being undertaken at Huddersfield on mtDNA and genome-wide variation. Thus, although there will be a heavy computational slant to this project, the student will also have the opportunity to work in modern molecular biology and ancient DNA facilities, alongside existing students in all of these areas.
----------
PROJECT 2 - Archaeogenetics and palaeogenetics of cattle domestication in north-west Europe
Supervisor: Dr Ceiridwen Edwards
Co-supervisors: Prof Martin B. Richards & Dr Maria Pala

This project will focus on aspects of the archaeogenetics and palaeogenetics of cattle domestication in north-west Europe, especially the British Isles, working with mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome and genome-wide variation, including ancient DNA.
----------
PROJECT 3 - Archaeogenetics and palaeogenetics of southern and eastern Europe
Supervisor: Dr Maria Pala
Co-supervisors: Prof Martin B. Richards & Dr Ceiridwen Edwards

This particular project will focus on aspects of the archaeogenetics and palaeogenetics of southern and eastern Europe, working with mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome and genome-wide variation, including ancient DNA.
----------

The students will work in modern molecular biology facilities and in the newly opened high-spec ancient DNA facility at Huddersfield, alongside existing students in all of these areas, a research fellow who will provide day to day guidance, and the academic staff. In addition to cutting-edge laboratory work, there will be a strong emphasis on data analysis and interpretation with the aim being to produce world-class research papers, in close collaboration with colleagues in archaeology, linguistics and mathematics, as well as evolutionary and population geneticists. 

Applicants should hold a good bachelor’s degree (and preferably also an M.Sc. or MA) in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Statistics, Computing, Bioarchaeology, Biological Anthropology, or other relevant subject, and ideally have experience of generic biological lab techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR. Although training and hands-on supervision will be provided, it is essential that the candidate can operate independently and take the initiative to direct their research. Aptitude for team working is also a crucial attribute.

For informal enquiries please contact Prof Richards on +44 (0)1484 471676 (email [log in to unmask]), Dr Pala on +44 (0)1484 472273 ([log in to unmask]) or Dr Edwards (email [log in to unmask]).