PhD Studentship: From Brain to Germline: How Perception Affects Genetic Inheritance

Scientific background:  

Natural environments are changing rapidly as average temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent. How species respond will help determine whether populations adapt or decline. Reproduction is especially vulnerable: fertility can be disrupted at temperatures below those that threaten survival, and males are often more sensitive than females. 

Heat can also alter the genetic and epigenetic information carried by sperm and eggs. These changes may be passed to offspring and affect how later generations respond to temperature. They are usually assumed to result from direct heat damage to reproductive tissues in exposed organisms. 

And alternative idea is that temperature-sensing neurons, without increasing the temperature, can change small RNAs and the activity of transposable elements in the germline. This raises an important question: can sensing heat prepare or protect the germline before damage occurs? This project will test whether the germline responds to perceived as well as actual temperature change, and whether these responses influence future generations. 

Methodology:  

You will test how zebrafish react to perceived and actual temperature changes, and perform experimental work by training fish and measuring the effects on phenotypic data such as behavioural changes as well as effects of their offspring. You will collect samples for transcriptome sequencing and molecular assays and perform bioinformatic analyses on the resulting data. Multigenerational crosses and fitness assays in juvenile and adult fish will determine whether these changes are inherited, improve survival or reproduction under later heat stress, or carry costs in later generations. Together, these approaches will reveal whether sensing temperature prepares the germline and helps populations adapt to climate change. 

Training:  

You will gain practical experience in a wide range of skills including animal husbandry and behavioural conditioning, experimental and multigenerational design, and fitness assays in juvenile and adult fish. You will develop molecular and computational skills through quantitative PCR, small-RNA and transcriptome sequencing, statistical analysis and bioinformatics, while building expertise in evolution, genomics, physiology and reproductive biology. Training in scientific writing, presentation and career development will be supported through ARIES courses, conferences, local seminars, research discussion groups and journal clubs. 

Person specification:  

We seek a curious, motivated and collaborative individual with a background in genetics, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, ecology or a related biological science. Prior experience with model organisms, molecular techniques, quantitative analysis, bioinformatics or programming is desirable but not essential. 

Funding information:

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions(opens in a new window). Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.