We are advertising a PhD opportunity through the CENTA Doctoral Training Partnership, starting October 2026, based at the University of Birmingham. The project will explore the "Island Syndrome" in arthropods, investigating how living on islands affects traits of arthropods (e.g., bees, beetles, spiders) such as body size, dispersal ability, and reproductive strategies. The PhD student will review island arthropod adaptations, analyse trait and phylogenetic data, and apply advanced statistical and modelling approaches using R. The project may include fieldwork (e.g., Scottish Hebrides, Madagascar), museum research, and work with large ecological datasets. Requirements:A strong academic background in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field; good quantitative skills; and experience or willingness to learn R and ecological modelling techniques. Supervisors:Dr. Tom Matthews (University of Birmingham), Dr. Michal Jezierski (University of Birmingham), Dr. Jon Sadler (University of Birmingham), Dr. Rob Cooke (UKCEH), and Dr. Tom Martin (Operation Wallacea) Apply here: https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2026-b22-the-island-syndrome-in-arthropods/ More information about the CENTA DTP and how to apply: https://centa.ac.uk/ Contact Michal (m.t.jezierski@bham.ac.uk) or Tom (t.j.matthews@bham.ac.uk) for more information. Please help us spread the word! "m.t.jezierski@bham.ac.uk" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)