Precision Conservation – Molecular tool to save sea turtles
- Primary Supervisor: Chris Eizaguirre
- Co-supervisor(s): -
- Studentship Funding: Awaiting CSC Funding Decision
- Application Deadline: 28th January 2026
- PhD Programme: PhD Biological Sciences
Project Overview
Join the Turtle Project at Queen Mary University of London to explore the molecular basis of sex determination and its evolution in sea turtles—an iconic model for studying the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
This PhD offers two complementary research paths:
1. Epigenomic precision conservation: Use whole-genome DNA methylation analyses to uncover biomarkers linked to sex, migration, and environmental adaptation, contributing to cutting-edge “precision conservation” tools for endangered populations.
2. Protein-level innovation: Apply bioengineering to study and experimentally manipulate key sex-determining enzymes, testing their activity and stability under future climate scenarios.
This highly interdisciplinary project combines molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry to understand how environmental cues are translated into developmental outcomes. Field opportunities in Cabo Verde and collaborations with international partners provide a unique blend of lab and applied conservation research.
Essential: Passion for conservation biology; strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or bioinformatics; eagerness to learn and innovate.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will join an active, diverse and supportive research group committed to delivering impactful science at the interface of molecular biology, ecology, and conservation. The group includes postdocs and PhD students working collaboratively toward advancing biodiversity protection through innovative techniques and molecular tools. We are results-driven yet strongly value capacity building, mentorship, and inclusive team culture. Through our long-standing partnerships with NGOs and research institutions across West Africa, the student will gain international exposure and field experience. Training will be provided in molecular and computational methods, professional development, and science communication.
More about the Eizaguirre lab https://www.qmul.ac.uk/eizaguirrelab/
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
Keywords: Conservation, sea turtles, molecular ecology, engineering biology.
Funding & Eligibility
Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Applicants must:
- Be applying for CSC funding.
- Be a citizen and permanent resident of the People’s Republic of China and hold a Chinese passport.
- Satisfy all eligibility criteria set out by the CSC and must refer to the CSC website for full details.
- Apply to QMUL by 28th January 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
- Submit ALL required documentation, including evidence of their English Language ability ahead of the CSC application deadline.
CSC application rules differ slightly for domestic applicants (students applying from China) and overseas applicants (students applying from overseas). Therefore, ALL applicants are advised to see the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Entry Requirements
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Ecology, or Biochemistry.
Knowledge of bioinformatics or protein purification and bioengineering would be highly advantageous but are not required.
This highly interdisciplinary project combines molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry to understand how environmental cues are translated into developmental outcomes. Field opportunities in Cabo Verde and collaborations with international partners provide a unique blend of lab and applied conservation research.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2026. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
How to Apply
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 28th January 2026 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Your CV
- Personal Statement
- Evidence of English Language e.g.) IELTS Certificate
- Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- References
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Prof Chris Eizaguirre
Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply online