How do environmental cues affect reproduction?

Key facts

The School of Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27.

This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas.

One of the ways that insects, and other animals, cope with changing or adverse conditions is by pausing reproduction. We know a lot about how this process works in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) but our knowledge in other species is almost completely lacking (Knapp et al., 2022). In this project we will use honeybees and bumblebees, which are globally crucial pollinator species, to determine how environmental cues control reproduction. Focusing on these species means this project will have real-world impact, specifically by determining how common chemicals used in agriculture (such as neonicotinoid pesticides) affect control of reproduction in these species.

Aside from their role in pollination, both honeybees and bumble bees have incredibly interesting life-history strategies. They are eusocial, each colony has a single-reproductive female and this division of labour is enforced by pheromones as well as behaviour and colony dynamics. This project will determine if these environmental cues that are unique to eusocial species act through the conserved pathways that control reproduction in response to adverse environmental conditions, informing our understanding of how this unique and interesting life-history strategy evolved.

To apply for this project opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.

a full academic CV

degree certificate and transcripts of marks

Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

Select PhD in Biology as your programme of study

Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or FBS admissions prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs.

For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:

e: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk

• Type of research degree: PhD
• Application deadline: Monday 30 August 2027
• Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
• Funding: Non-funded
• Supervisors: Dr Elizabeth Duncan
• Additional supervisors: Dr Amanda Bretman
• Schools: School of Biology

Research areas