Funded PhD in Animal Cognition, Behaviour and Conservation for Chough Reintroduction University of Exeter in United Kingdom

University of Exeter is offering a funded PhD studentship in animal cognition, animal behaviour, ecology, conservation, and reintroduction biology.

The project is titled “From cognition to conservation: using cognitive and behavioural research to enhance animal reintroductions” and focuses on using behavioural and cognitive principles to improve the reintroduction of Britain’s most endangered corvid, the red-billed chough. The work is based in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Penryn Campus, Cornwall, and involves collaboration with Wildwood Trust, Paradise Park, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London.

The PhD will join the Miller Cognition and Conservation Group and may include controlled experiments, behavioural observations, and population monitoring across captive and released birds in Kent and Cornwall. Research directions are flexible, but the project aims to study individual variation in cognition such as self-control, innovation, social learning, and exploration, and connect these traits to survival, body condition, stress responses, and reproductive success. The student will also help develop practical conservation outputs such as release decisions, pre-release training, and improved release protocols.

Funding: UK/Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £22,350 for 4 years full-time. International-fee students are not eligible.

Eligibility: Applicants should have or be nearing completion of a 2.1 BSc or MSc/MRes in Psychology, Ecology, Conservation, Zoology, Biology, or a related field. Experience in animal behaviour/cognition, research in captive or field settings, statistical analysis, teamwork, and communication are important. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

Deadline: 5 June 2026. Interviews are expected in the week commencing 6 July 2026.

How to apply: Use the University of Exeter application portal and submit a CV, letter of application, 1-page research proposal, transcripts, and two references. Quote reference 5860.