More than one route to fertility (CHAPMAN_U25DTP2)

Primary Supervisor – Professor Tracey Chapman 

Male sexual traits are notoriously variable, which is puzzling, as traits essential for fitness are expected to exhibit low variation due to strong directional selection. Though many solutions have been proposed, we still lack satisfactory, general explanations. A good example in found in Drosophila melanogaster, in which there are over 250 seminal fluid compounds that have essential functions, but which also exhibit substantial diversity. It remains unclear why some seminal fluid proteins have multiple functions, some only one, and why there is so much apparent functional redundancy.  

An exciting hypothesis is that this abundant variation is maintained because there are multiple ways in which males can achieve reproductive success. This challenge forms the focus of this PhD project, which the student will tackle in three major aims, testing whether males (i) exhibit distinct seminal fluid protein profiles, (ii) respond in a consistent manner to sexual competition, and (iii) have seminal fluid protein profiles that are associated with distinct sperm phenotypes. 

The student will be immersed within an international, collaborative, tailored training environment designed to foster innovation and independence. The student will receive expert training in leading ‘omics analyses from colleagues at the Earlham Institute, and undertake two training visits with colleagues at Cornell University (USA). 

This will equip the student with state-of-the-art skills in evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics, giving them a strong set of varied skills for future career development. The impacts are expected to be new explanations for the maintenance of semen diversity and new understanding of fertility mechanisms and how they might be improved.  

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2025