We have a PhD position available in the NERC Iapetus2 Doctoral Training Program (DTP). This studentship is fully funded for stipend, tuition fees, and includes a research and training budget. The studentship is based at the University of Glasgow (PI: Kathryn Elmer) and co-supervised with Mike Ritchie at St Andrews University and Jelle Boonekamp at University of Glasgow Please find more information at the DTP website for the project https://iapetus.ac.uk/studentships/how-age-dependent-sexual-selection-and-parity-mode-shape-fitness-trajectories-in-reptile-reproduction/ And information about the Training Programme here https://iapetus.ac.uk/about/ Project IAP-25-028: How Age-Dependent Sexual Selection and Parity Mode Shape Fitness Trajectories in Reptile Reproduction This project investigates how mate choice and reproductive strategies evolve in the Eurasian common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), an unusual species exhibiting both egg-laying (oviparous) and live-bearing (viviparous) reproductive modes. By studying populations where these modes coexist and even hybridise, the research explores how female age, health, and parity mode influence reproductive investment and polyandry. Mate choice affects genetic diversity, fitness, and ecological dynamics, with age-related changes in female strategy predicted by life history theory. The project leverages molecular ageing techniques and demographic analyses to assess how reproductive decisions vary with age and environment. It aims to quantify the costs and benefits of mating strategies and their interaction with parity mode evolution. Ultimately, this work will provide novel insights into the behavioural and genetic consequences of reproductive diversity, contributing to evolutionary biology and conservation by testing theoretical predictions in a natural system with unique reproductive variation. The project is offered within the DTP and acceptance to the DTP program is competitive, with final candidate selection handled by Iapetus2. The studentship will start Oct 2026. The successful candidate for this project is likely to be someone with a strong background in evolution and/or population genetics and who can show evidence of practical laboratory and analytical experience in an appropriate field, and demonstrated aptitude for and interest in biology research. Experience with lizards and a drivers licence would be an asset. The student will join an active, collegial, and dynamic research group with on-going funded project in this topic. The studentship is based with Prof. Elmer (U Glasgow). Co-supervisor Prof. Ritchie (U St Andrews) studies evolutionary biology and evolutionary genetics with a focus on sexual selection and behavioural strategies. Co-supervisor Dr. Boonekamp (U Glasgow) is interested in life history trade-offs and reproductive decisions. The University of Glasgow ranks in the world's top 100 universities. The School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine is an excellent research and teaching unit, with many opportunities for collaboration and discussion in a supportive and productive environment. Glasgow is a lively cultural city on the doorstep of the beautifully rugged Scottish Highlands. Eligibility: This studentship is open to UK and international students - we welcome a diversity of applicants! See details of eligibility at the IAPETUS2 website. The selection process for international applicants is different than that for UK-resident (Home) applicants. Iapetus will be holding an online Q&A application workshop on Wednesday 26th November at 2pm. This is an opportunity for applicants to listen to a brief presentation on the application process as well as to ask any questions they may have. The link to sign up for the workshop will be on the website shortly. Deadline: International applicants must contact Prof Elmer directly with a CV and statement of interest by 8 Dec 2025. There is a specific application route and earlier deadline for international students. UK-resident applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Elmer by 15 Dec 2025 with a CV and statement of interest and/or draft of the IAPETUS2 studentship competition application form template. Informal inquiries to Kathryn Elmer in advance of the deadlines are welcome. Final applications are due through the IAPETUS2 website using their form by 5 Jan 2026. EDI: In order to address historical imbalances in the higher education sector, Iapetus is committed to recruiting a diverse, representative community of researchers in Environmental Science. The DTP has developed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy to further this. This includes the Widening Participation Scheme, which identifies Home applicants from underrepresented groups. Also, we are pleased to introduce the IAPETUS2 Diversifying Talent Scholarship Scheme, a separate competition designed for those from underrepresented groups. For more, please see the Iapetus website. Kathryn Elmer (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)