Scientific background:
Mimicry, where unrelated species evolve similar colour patterns through natural selection, is one of the most striking examples of adaptation. In Müllerian mimicry, multiple defended species converge on a shared warning signal, reducing the costs of predator education, whereas in Batesian mimicry harmless species resemble defended models to avoid predation. Although iconic examples occur in Heliconius butterflies and poison arrow frogs, a remarkable and much less well-known mimicry system has evolved in Neotropical Corydoradinae catfishes.
More than 30 independently evolved mimicry communities ("mimicry rings") have been identified across South America, providing a unique opportunity to investigate whether repeated evolution of similar colour patterns is driven by the same genetic mechanisms. Using comparative and population genomics, this project will address four questions:
- Which genomic regions show evidence of divergent selection among different mimicry rings?
- Do species within the same mimicry ring show signatures of recent positive selection and selective sweeps associated with shared colour patterns?
- Have pigmentation genes evolved more rapidly in mimetic than non-mimetic species?
- By comparing multiple independent origins of mimicry, the project will test one of evolutionary biology's central questions: how predictable is adaptive evolution?
Research methodology:
You will work with a chromosome-level reference genome, additional annotated genome assemblies, RNA-seq datasets and whole-genome resequencing data from mimetic and non-mimetic species. Using state-of-the-art population and comparative genomic approaches, you will identify genomic signatures of divergent selection, selective sweeps and molecular adaptation associated with mimicry. Most samples are already available within the host laboratory, with potential opportunities for collaborative fieldwork in South America.
Training:
You will receive training in molecular biology, genome resequencing, comparative and population genomics, phylogenomics, bioinformatics, UNIX/Linux, high-performance computing, and programming in R and Python, providing excellent preparation for careers in evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics and academic research.
Person specification:
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a First or Upper Second-Class degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Zoology or a related discipline, together with a strong interest in evolutionary biology and genomics. Experience in bioinformatics or programming (e.g. R or Python) would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Additional Funding Information
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
