We are looking for a PhD Student in Conservation Genomics interested in using museum specimens of extirpated (regionally extinct) butterfly populations to investigate the symptoms and causes of local extinction using genomics. Background: Climate change and habitat degradation are causing global biodiversity declines. Extinction risk is acute for insects, which are difficult to monitor but are often of direct or indirect socioeconomic importance. Museum samples are a treasure trove for understanding past extinction events and preventing future losses, but their use remains limited. This project aims to use whole genome sequence (WGS) data from museum samples to understand genomic symptoms and potential causes of regional extinctions in insects. We will focus on the Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus) and Large Copper (Lycaena dispar) butterflies, species that went extinct within the UK in the early 20th and mid 19th centuries respectively. This will involve optimizing WGS sequencing protocols for working on museum specimens and developing best practices for museum metagenomics. We will focus on, but not limited to, the following: 1. Evaluating the impact of historical and more recent events on the disappearance of these two species. 2. Did inbreeding and genetic load contribute to their extirpation? 3. Did fungal or other microbial pathogens play a role in their demise? There is also a possibility to explore other Lepidoptera or insect species depending on student interests.There is also a possibility of combining the analysis above with those from stable and threatened species. Requirements: We are looking for someone interested in conservation genomics, working with museum specimens and a desire to develop bioinformatics/data science skills. Additionally, the following are required: - Degree (BSc. or MSc. in relevant study area - Interest or background in conservation genomics - Bioinformatics experience/aptitude, some knowledge of R or Python - Molecular Biology experience (PCR, DNA extraction, pipetting) - Experience working with museum samples would be a plus This project will be in collaboration with the Natural History Museum (London), Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the University of Edinburgh and potentially other museums. We are looking for someone interested in conservation genomics, working with museum specimens and a desire to develop bioinformatics/data science skills. Lab and Bioinformatics training will be provided as part of the programme of study. There will also be opportunities to participate in LepEU activities ( lepeu.github.io) for interested candidates. For more information, interested candidates are encouraged to contact Saad Arif ( sarif@brookes.ac.uk) For full details on the project (including stipend and and additional info), studying at Oxford Brookes and how to apply, see the advert here: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/using-museomics-to-investigate-the-disappearance-of-the-mazarine-blue-and-large-copper-butterflies-in-the-uk/?p184018 Further reading: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.17518 https://elifesciences.org/articles/87928 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44358-025-00033-0 Dr. Saad Arif Senior Lecturer Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Oxford Brookes University Gipsy Lane Oxford, OX3 0BP UK Tel. +44 (0)1865 483437 Mob: +44 (0) 7985378194 email: sarif@brookes.ac.uk web: saadarif.github.io Saad Arif (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)