Developing efficient Bayesian samplers for evolutionary analysis in the Tree of Life
- Primary Supervisor: Dr Mario dos Reis
- Co-supervisor(s): Prof Richard A Nichols
- Studentship Funding: Awaiting CSC Funding Decision
- Application Deadline: 28th January 2026
- PhD Programme: PhD Biological Sciences
Project Overview
Developing efficient Bayesian samplers for evolutionary analysis in the Tree of Life
Application of high-throughput sequencing technologies is leading to the generation of vast genomic datasets, from to the collection of cells in a tumour to the millions of species in the Tree of Life. These large datasets can be analysed to understand patterns of molecular evolution, to work out the evolutionary relationship between species/cells, and to calibrate evolutionary trees to geological time. Bayesian statistical methods have become the state-of-the-art for such analyses but are computationally expensive. In this project, the student will develop new computational implementations of Bayesian MCMC samplers (such as Metropolis-Hasting and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo) for evolutionary studies, with emphasis on methods to determine diversification timings. The new methodologies can be applied to understand diversification patterns in case studies such as cancer cells, mammals, birds, and flowering plants, among others, helping to answer fundamental questions about evolutionary patterns. The project is suited for a student with background in any relevant areas such as computational biology, genomics, statistical modelling, Hamiltonian dynamics, and computer science.
Research Environment
The dos Reis and Nichols labs work on the development and application of statistical methodologies to study evolution. The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has several active research groups in the areas of genomics and molecular evolution, and the student will benefit with interactions from members of the school, and members of the dos Reis and Nichols groups.
https://research.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/r.a.nichols/
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
Keywords: Bayesian analysis, genomics, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, diffusion models, molecular evolution.
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 Evolutionary Biology, Computational Biology, Statistical Analysis or related areas.
Knowledge of programming in a major language (such as R or C) and large data analysis would be highly advantageous but are not required.
Experience in either evolutionary biology/phylogenetic analysis, or application of Bayesian statistical techniques.
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 Dr Mario dos Reis
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