PhD Studentship: Testing the Evolutionary Theory of Ageing: From Genes to Populations

Scientific background  

Why do organisms age? Classical resource allocation-based theory of ageing – the so-called ‘disposable soma’ (DST) – has been challenged by empirical studies and can no longer fully account for the experimental observations. Emerging new theory – the developmental theory of ageing (DTA) – argues that ageing results from suboptimal gene expression in adulthood due to declining selection in late-life (‘selection shadow’), without a need for resource allocation. The DTA follows from a simple observation that the physiological needs of an organism change with age leading to selection on age-specific gene expression. 

While age-specific gene expression is well-documented, the DTA maintains that “selection shadow” will result in less optimised gene expression in adulthood, because the force of selection is maximal during development and declines gradually after the onset of reproduction. The decline in the force of natural selection is predicted to lead to either higher than optimal for fitness (‘hyperfunction’) or lower than optimal for fitness (‘hypofunction’) gene expression with advancing age.   

The DTA makes a unique prediction that it is possible to modify gene expression in adulthood to slow down senescence and increase fitness. 

Research methodology  

You will use novel methodology developed in our lab to test emerging new evolutionary theory of ageing in a classical model - Caenorhabditis nematodes. The project uniquely combines molecular genetics with evolutionary ecology approach and will focus on a broad range of different ‘wild’ Caenorhabditis species beyond the traditional C. elegans model. You will test the role of age-specific gene expression in the evolution and expression of ageing in laboratory microcosms and in natural environments.    

Training  

You will gain a wide range of skills in experimental design, statistical analyses, coding, scientific writing, presentational skills, evolutionary theory, and molecular biology techniques. You will receive multi-disciplinary training in evolutionary ecology/biology and in bio-gerontology, thereby increasing opportunities for employability after the PhD. You will participate in career-enhancing external training courses and in-house research discussion groups and journal clubs.    

Person specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with deep interest in one of the following fields of research: evolution, ecology, genetics. 

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Start Date: 1 October 2025

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

ARIES is awaiting confirmation of funding under the BBSRC-NERC DLA award scheme, which is expected shortly. Funding for this studentship is subject to this confirmation and UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research costs. 

A limited number of ARIES studentships are available to International applicants. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork 

environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential. 

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk

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