[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Bridging the taphonomic gap between the lab and the real world: Experimental Insights into Fossilization and Preservation

About the project

About the Project The fossil record provides the primary evidence for the evolutionary history of life, yet it is fundamentally shaped by post-mortem decay and preservation processes. Constrained experimental investigations of the processes of decay and decomposition have significantly advanced our understanding of fossilization and preservation. Making direct connections to interpretations of the fossil record can be challenging however because we don’t know how representative laboratory experiments are to real world conditions. Do the closed and rarified conditions of in vitro decay experiments reflect the complexity of open, in vivo environments? This project will include a series of experiments to compare the anatomical and microbial processes of decay and decomposition observed in the laboratory and in the field. The results will inform interpretations and hypothesis of fossil preservation, provide a framework for scaling laboratory experiments to natural systems, and improve our understanding of how exceptional fossil deposits form. Together this will enable us to build of a general model of the processes of decay and fossilization and constrain experimentally informed interpretations of the fossil record and palaeontology. This inter disciplinary project will involve a combination of biological experiments, fieldwork, microbial and genetic techniques, and palaeontology. This project will make use of the dedicated taphonomy, microbial and analytical facilities and the University of Manchester and bring together expertise and training from palaeontology, archaeology and environmental microbiology. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline; for example Biological Sciences, or Environmental Science (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to a Science or Engineering discipline; for example Biological Sciences, or Environmental Science (or international equivalent). Previous hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and working with genetic data is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

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