PhD Studentship: Drivers and Consequences of Recent Changes in Bird Migration
Investigate the environmental and behavioral drivers of bird migration changes using remote sensing and tracking data.
Best for:Best for numerate candidates with an interest in animal movement, ecology, and spatial data analysis.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the ecological drivers and consequences of recent shifts in bird migration patterns. Operating within the Environmental Sciences department as part of the ARIES doctoral training partnership, the project utilizes long-term tracking datasets and remote sensing to analyze changes in timing, distance, and sedentariness. The successful candidate will collaborate with institutions such as BIOPOLIS/CIBIO, BTO, and the University of Lisbon, incorporating fieldwork in Portugal. The researcher is expected to develop strong programming, spatial data analysis, and critical thinking skills while contributing to conservation strategies for migratory birds.
What you'll do
- Quantify shifts in species migratory behaviors, including timing, distance, and proportions of sedentary populations.
- Evaluate the impact of environmental variables such as climate and resource availability on migration dynamics.
- Assess whether post-breeding resource availability correlates with migration propensity and distance.
- Investigate how anthropogenic food sources and novel foraging resources influence migratory traits.
- Deploy tracking devices on wild birds during fieldwork campaigns in Portugal.
- Analyze complex spatial datasets and long-term tracking records using advanced programming and statistical tools.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong numerical and quantitative skills
- Interest in animal movement and natural environment research
- Aptitude for learning programming and statistical data analysis
- Open to applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria for fully-funded studentships
- Limited international studentships available with fee differences waived by the university
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-16
Applicants must submit their application through the university's online postgraduate research application portal. Additionally, candidates are required to complete a separate ARIES Equality and Diversity form for each project application submitted.
- CV
- Application form
- ARIES Equality and Diversity Form
Contact
A. Franco
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