PhD Studentship: Drivers and Consequences of Recent Changes in Bird Migration

Overview

The University of East Anglia, within the Department of Environmental Sciences, offers a PhD studentship focused on investigating the drivers and consequences of recent changes in bird migration. The research utilizes remote sensing and long-term tracking datasets from Movebank and supervisors to quantify behavioral shifts such as altered timing, reduced distances, and increased sedentariness. The project aims to understand how environmental variables, species traits, phylogenetic history, resource availability, and anthropogenic food sources influence migratory patterns to ultimately inform conservation strategies.

Who can apply

This project is open to highly numerate candidates with an interest in animal movement and understanding the natural environment. Relevant research experience is considered advantageous. ARIES funding is subject to UKRI terms and conditions, providing fully-funded studentships that cover fees, maintenance stipend, and a research training and support grant for candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants where the registering university waives the fee difference between home and international rates, though ARIES funding does not cover relocation, living costs, visas, or the health surcharge.

What you get

The successful candidate receives a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for the 2026 and 2027 period, alongside coverage of university fees and a research training and support grant. The position provides placement in a research environment at the University of East Anglia, collaborative work with BIOPOLIS, CIBIO, the British Trust for Ornithology, and the University of Lisbon, and fieldwork opportunities in Portugal. Training includes deploying tracking devices on wild birds, analyzing spatial and tracking datasets, and developing skills in programming, statistics, critical thinking, and oral presentation.

Requirements

Applicants must be numerate and are expected to complete the online ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for each project application submitted.

How to apply

Interested individuals should apply for the relevant project and complete a separate ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for every project application. Further details can be obtained by contacting a.franco at uea.ac.uk.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-16.