PhD Studentship: Historical Genomics of the Declining Red Squirrel in Britain

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Anders Bergström

The red squirrel in Britain is one of the most iconic examples of a declining population. It has suffered greatly since the introduction of the invasive grey squirrel in the late 1800s, but even before then it was struggling due to hunting and deforestation. However, already since the late 1700s, people have tried to counter the decline by bringing in new red squirrels from continental Europe. How all these past processes have affected the genetic make-up, fitness and ancestry of British squirrels is poorly understood.

This project will study the rollercoaster history of the red squirrel in Britain using historical DNA. By tracing the genetics of the red squirrel over the past few hundred years, the project has two goals:

1) To provide general insights into the genetics of population decline and rescue, broadly applicable across organisms.

2) To reconstruct the specific history of the widely cherished red squirrel, to potentially help future efforts to conserve it.

The project will use historical DNA techniques to sequence genomes from squirrels in museum collections, to directly analyse how genetic diversity, inbreeding and genetic load has changed over time, and evaluate the effects that the many translocations had on populations. The project will also address how much native British squirrel ancestry persists today, to test whether the many introductions has led to a complete loss of native ancestry (‘genetic swamping’).

The student will receive broad training in molecular biology, historical DNA, genomics, bioinformatics and population genetics. The student will take part in journal clubs and departmental seminars, present their work at conferences, and develop skills in critical thinking and science communication.

The ideal candidate will have a background in a biological science (e.g. genetics, molecular biology, zoology, evolution, ancient DNA), and have strong interests in genomics, wet-lab work, data analysis, and evolution.

Entry Requirements:The minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 Bachelor's degree in Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Ecology, Biochemistry, or Archaeology.

Mode of study:Full time

Start date:1st October 2027

Additional funding information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years. The current UEA / institutional PhD stipend rate is £20,409 and will be subject to any agreed inflationary uplift for 2027/28.