Understanding how natural selection operates in fluctuating environments
is fundamental to understanding evolution. Historically, it has been difficult
to understand how the environment impinges on the physiological state of wild
birds but the recent application of telomere measurement techniques in natural
populations now provides a window into this question. This project will be one
of the first to combine physiological state, demography (e.g. size, age
structure and dynamics) and selection in a wild population.
The student will utilise Sheffield’s unique long-term study of a wild
house sparrow population on Lundy Island, providing access to an existing
databank and samples covering more than 15 years. The programme of work will
explore the relationship between bird survival and fecundity at different
stages of the life-course, together with changes in physiological state (with
telomere length as a proxy), population demography and other environmental
variables. The heritability of these relationships (‘reaction norms’) will also
be investigated to determine if fitness differences are transmitted to future
generations. There is flexibility in the programme and the precise
direction and emphasis of the project will be determined by collaboration
between the student and the supervisors.
The student can expect to receive exceptional training in
state-of-the-art analytical methodology and laboratory techniques, including
telomere analysis and DNA profiling, as well as benefitting from a well
established and rewarding field project.
The PhD project is fully funded with a starting date between
January–March 2015. Applicants, who must be residents of the EU and must have a
good (i.e. minimum IIi grade) honours degree, a masters degree, or equivalent,
in a relevant subject, should complete an on-line application form via
the University admission system (www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/applying) and should upload a supporting
statement explaining why they want to pursue this PhD (maximum 1 page) followed
by a short proposal explaining how they would approach the project, including
any specific hypotheses (maximum 2 pages including any references). They should
also upload their CV. Any enquiries about the project should be directed to
Professor Terry Burke (t.a.burke@sheffield.ac.uk).
Applications for this project will be accepted until Monday 3 November
2014.