BBSRC funded PhD position on the genetic and developmental control of complex nanostructure formation in butterfly wing scales

About the Project

Butterfly wings are natural wonders, covered in colourful scales that are used for signaling, thermoregulation and to help with aerodynamic performance. This beauty and wonder extends beyond the visible, with each scale being intricately patterned on the sub-micron level. These nanostructures are essential for the properties of the scales, including producing structural colour. 

This project will investigate how these nanostructures are formed from a genetic and developmental perspective. Previous genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis has identified several genes/proteins that differ between scales of different morphologies, specifically those with nanostructures that produce a blue colour and those that lack this colour/structure. These include membrane, actin and cuticle bound proteins, some of which have functions in bristle formation in Drosophila melanogaster, interesting as bristles and scales are developmentally homologous. The PhD student will investigate the role of these genes in both Drosophila bristle and cuticle formation and butterfly wing scale formation. The student will be trained in a range of techniques including fluorescent confocal microscopy to localize and image specific proteins during development, electron microscopy to image scale and bristle nanostructures and genetic manipulation techniques such as CRISPR/Cas and RNAi.

Co-supervisors: Prof David Strutt (School of Biosciences), Dr Andrew Parnell (Department of Physics), Dr Kyra Campbell (School of Biosciences)

About the DTP

This studentship is offered as part of the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP).

What is on offer

Appointed candidates will be fully funded for 4 years:

• Tax-free annual stipend at the UKRI rate of at least £19,237. 

• UKRI tuition fees – These are paid directly to the host institution.

• A Research Training and Support Grant

• An allowance for Fieldwork/Conference/Travel

Not all projects will be funded; the DTP will appoint a limited number of candidates via a competitive process.

How to apply – Expression of Interest

Students may apply for up to three projects anywhere in the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).  Applications will be to the DTP centrally, using an online Expression of Interest (EoI). The EoI will include:

• Your past research experience

• Your general motivation to undertake postgraduate research

• Your specific motivation for applying

Deadline for EoIs is 17:00 GMT on 6th January 2025.

Submit EoIs using this link: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/yorkshire-bioscience-dtp-expression-of-interest-form

A panel of academics will then decide upon which students to shortlist for interview, with input from the prospective supervisors. Students who are nominated for interview will be informed by Friday 31st January 2025. Students nominated for interview must then make a formal application for study at the University of Sheffield by Friday 7th February 2025. 

Website: https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/yorkshire-bioscience-dtp/