How did species originate, evolve and go extinct across the vertebrate tree of life?

About the Project

Project Overview:

The tree of life underpins our understanding of all aspects of biodiversity past, present and future. Not only does it describe how species are related to each other, but it also documents the evolutionary history of life on Earth. The timings and spacing of branching events tell us when and how new lineages of species arose, and how clades diversified. Combining the tree of life with maps and trait data can then tell us where species arose and how traits relate to speciation and extinction.

With this project applicants are welcomed to focus on any one or more of the following topics:

• Resolving and dating the early branching patterns of animal phylogenies
• Early geographic distributions and dispersals of animal groups
• Patterns of phenotypic evolution across phylogeny

Projects could also focus on any animal group of interest, living and extinct, including dinosaurs, sabre-toothed cats, birds, and reptiles, just to name a few.

Evolutionary Functional Morphology Lab:

The Evolutionary Functional Morphology Lab seeks to understand how morphology is shaped by function, ecology and environment through time and along the branches of the tree of life. We take an integrated phylogenetic comparative approach, combining morphometrics, biomechanics and state of the art statistical data analyses.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geology, Data Science or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology via our online application system

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Enquiries:

Dr. Manabu Sakamoto, email: m.sakamoto@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.
If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.