ACCE+ DLA programme: In reverse: using genomics approaches to investigate the rapid evolution of "reverse" songbird migration

Are you fascinated by animal migration? Do you want to understand how it is changing as we change the world around us? Do you want to do so using cutting-edge molecular techniques? Join the Avian Ecology Group at the University of Liverpool and participate in impactful research that brings together opportunities for fieldwork in remote locations, lab-based investigation and high-performance computing to investigate how small changes in the environment can result in huge changes in migratory behaviour. 

The project: The successful candidate will use the yellow-browed warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) and other Siberian migratory songbirds as model organisms to investigate migratory evolution in the 21st century. Typically wintering in south-east Asia, these birds have become massively more common in Europe in the 21st century; 10,000km from where they should be. Over the course of this 3.5yr project, the successful candidate will genetically compare European-caught birds to their Asian counterparts, and in doing so investigate the evolutionary and geographic origins of a recently-evolved migratory route. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in sampling fieldwork, involving catching some of Europe’s rarest and most charismatic songbirds; will have the opportunity to be involved in biologging projects; and will use state-of-the-art sequencing and computing to investigate the interface between evolution and migration. 

Who are we looking for? We are looking for a highly engaged individual, with either an undergraduate or masters degree, who is passionate about animal behaviour and its application to ecological questions. The successful candidate will be fully supported with existing data and an investigation framework, but will have the freedom to explore the topic, make the project their own and plan their own investigations. An interest in international travel and working in remote locations is preferable (but not essential), and it is crucial that the successful candidate can work well both individually and in a team. Some experience in lab-work, bioinformatics or fieldwork would be preferable, but is by no means required; we’re more interested in aptitude for the subject rather than specific skills, and the successful candidate will acquire a variety of bioinformatics and lab approaches to questions of animal behaviour.  

Who are we? The supervision team will comprise of Dr Joe Wynn, Dr Jonathan Green, Prof. Miriam Liedvogel and Prof. Ilik Saccheri. Between us we have 40 years of supervision experience, with backgrounds ranging from genetic adaptations to a changing environment all the way to policy applications and applied science. In addition to the main research team there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with and visit collaborating researchers from across Europe and Asia, and in doing so participate in wide-ranging field and lab-based research. 

What we offer: we are offering a competition-funded full PhD project via the ACCE+ program. However, if our application for ACCE+ funding is unsuccessful, the project may be funded from via an alternative source.

How to Apply

Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. 

All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees.

Part-Time Study Options

All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. 

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project.