A PhD position is available on historical genomics in the red squirrel in
Britain. The position will be based at the School of Biological Sciences
at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, UK, and supervised
by Dr. Anders Bergström.

- - - Scientific background - - -
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 introducing
new red squirrels from continental Europe, representing an unusually
long-running attempt at genetic rescue. How all of this has affected
the genetic make-up, fitness and ancestry of squirrels is very poorly
understood.

This project will study the rollercoaster history of the red squirrel in
Britain using historical DNA, which promises to add a whole new layer
of understanding to the histories of species. By directly tracing red
squirrel genetic diversity 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,
potentially informing future efforts to conserve it.

- - - Research methodology - - -
The project will sequence whole genomes from the few surviving British red
squirrel populations, and continental reference populations. It will use
historical DNA techniques to sequence genomes from British 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 introductions actually had on squirrel populations. The project will
also address how much native British squirrel ancestry persists today, to
test the hypothesis that the many introductions has led to a complete loss
of native ancestry and local genetic adaptations ('genetic swamping').

- - - Training - - -
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.

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

- - - Application - - -
Application deadline: 7 January 2026. Start date: 1st October
2026. Fully funded through the ARIES program, open to applicants of all
nationalities. For more information, including on how to apply, see:
https://aries-dtp.ac.uk/studentships/bergstrom_uea_aries26/

For UK 'home students' (British or Irish citizen, or UK
settled status or resident), there is an additional opportunity
to apply and have the project funded by University funds. The
application deadline for this route is earlier, 10 December 2025:
https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/phd-doctorate/phd-historical-genomics-of-the-declining-red-squirrel-in-britain-bergstromau26sci-.
Anyone eligible is encouraged to apply through both routes. Contact Anders
Bergström (a.bergstrom@uea.ac.uk) if any clarification on this is needed.

For informal inquiries please contact
Anders Bergström: a.bergstrom@uea.ac.uk
https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/anders-bergstr%C3%B6m/

"Anders Bergstrom (BIO - Staff)" <A.Bergstrom@uea.ac.uk>

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