We have a PhD position available in the NorthWestBio Doctoral Training Program (UK). This position is fully funded for stipend, tuition fees, and includes a research budget. The studentship is hosted at the University of Glasgow (PI: Kathryn Elmer) and co-supervised at Queen's University Belfast (co-PI: Isabella Capellini). The studentship would start Oct 2026 and funded for 3.5 years The project is offered within the DTP and acceptance to the DTP program is completive and managed by NorthWest Bio. The student will join a cohort of students and supervisors working in biosciences to address global challenges, fundamental science, and sustainability. The program offers a range of professional development opportunities in research and training. Project: INVESTIGATING GENOMIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF SEX CHROMOSOME INCOMPATIBILITIES ON REPRODUCTION Summary: This project explores how sex chromosome architecture shapes organismal health, development, and fitness. Sex chromosomes play critical roles beyond sex determination, influencing genome-wide gene regulation, developmental pathways, and energy metabolism. Structural changes such as fusions, inversions, and the formation of neo-sex chromosomes can disrupt gene function and expression, leading to physiological stress and altered life-history strategies. These disruptions can affect growth, reproduction, and longevity, highlighting the fundamental link between genomic architecture and organismal viability. While the impact of genetic incompatibilities on development and health is well recognised, few systems allow for controlled testing of a wide range of genetic combinations. This project addresses that gap by focusing on a natural hybrid zone between oviparous and viviparous lizards, which differ in both reproductive mode and sex chromosome structure. This research project combines genomic sequencing, gene expression profiling, and developmental analysis to uncover how sex-linked genes contribute to resource allocation trade-offs between somatic maintenance and reproduction, providing insight into the genetic basis of health, fitness, and adaptation. As a research model, we focus on a natural hybrid zone between oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Zootoca vivipara), which differ in both reproductive mode and sex chromosome structure. Training outcomes focus on developing advanced skills in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and evolutionary genomics. The project provides hands-on experience with high-throughput sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and structural genome characterisation. It also trains in experimental design and life-history trait assessment, integrating molecular data with organismal biology. This interdisciplinary approach equips the researcher with expertise to address fundamental questions in genetic health, evolutionary trade-offs, and the mechanisms by which genomic architecture influences development and fitness across diverse biological systems. Informal inquiries to Kathryn Elmer are encouraged but not required kathryn.elmer@glasgow.ac.uk Information on the project, timeline, and how to apply is available here University of Glasgow - Postgraduate study - Centres for Doctoral Training - NorthWest Biosciences - Our Projects - Underpinning Bioscience - Kathryn R Elmer Kathryn Elmer (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)