PhD Studentship: Gut Microbiome Variation in Wild Birds: Developmental Consequences for Host Traits and Fitness University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

[Fully-funded studentship for eligible candidates, covering fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the variation in gut microbiomes of wild birds and its developmental consequences for host traits and fitness. The project addresses a key question in evolutionary ecology: when and how are gut microbes important for wildlife? Building on recent findings in wild great tits (Parus major), where higher Lactobacillaceae abundances are linked to increased nestling weight and fledging success, the research will explore the causal relationships between microbial strains and host physiology. The study will also examine why some individuals lack beneficial strains and how developmental and ecological factors influence microbiome colonisation. Research will focus on wild populations of great tits and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in East Anglia, particularly during nestling and juvenile stages. Methodologies include collecting faecal samples from birds with natural and experimentally altered gut microbiomes, longitudinal monitoring of growth, behaviour, and cognition using automated feeders, and microbiome analysis via 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing. Statistical modelling will be used to test links between microbes and host development and fitness. The project objectives include assessing the influence of nesting environment and microbial supplementation on microbiome colonisation, determining microbiome effects on developmental plasticity of behavioural, cognitive, and biological phenotypes, and exploring whether early-life gut microbiomes predict first-year fitness. The successful candidate will join a supportive, interdisciplinary research group and receive training in fieldwork, bird handling, ringing, molecular biology techniques, microbiome sequencing, bioinformatics, and statistical modelling in R. Transferable skills in scientific writing, critical thinking, and presenting research will be embedded throughout. Applicants should have a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree in Biology or a related field, meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category), and ideally have experience in fieldwork, ornithology, molecular techniques, or data analysis. The studentship is fully funded for eligible candidates, covering fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. The application deadline is 7 January 2025, and the start date is 1 October 2026. Applications should be submitted via the university's postgraduate research portal.