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Great tit - a key study species (Photo: Maria Gill)

Email:      rmm@aber.ac.uk

Tel:          (+44) 01970 - 622320

Address: IBERS Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FG, UK

PhD: Avian Communication in Anthropogenic Noise

Anthropogenic influences on animal behaviour are an area of increasing interest, from applied conservation & biodiversity, to fundamental questions of ethology and adaptation. Recent research on a range of taxa has revealed differences in the characteristics of acoustic signals both between areas of low and high background noise and between areas of different environmental structure (e.g. urban vs rural).

This project will focus on the implications of these differences in environment and signal traits for signal efficacy, function and evolution using wild great tits Parus major as a model system. The research will involve a combination of field-based observation & experimentation, including playback.  The aim is to investigate acoustic ecology and behavioural plasticity in the context of territoriality, reproduction and associated behaviours. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own ideas and research questions within this framework. 

The project will be based in Aberystwyth with fieldwork to be conducted in Aberystwyth and at locations around the UK. The student will be based within the Aquatic, Behavioural & Evolutionary Biology Research Group (ABEB).

Full funding (fees & stipend at standard UK rate) is available, in competition with other projects. Funding will be awarded to the best students over all advertised projects.

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be sent direct via email to Dr Marshall: rmm@aber.ac.uk

Please apply using the standard Aberystwyth University application form and procedure available here: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/   Applicants should hold or expect to gain a 1st class honours degree or equivalent.

All application materials, including at least two referee reports, must be received by the deadline: 23rd May 2013

 

PhD & Postdoc Fellowship Enquiries:

I am always interested in discussing and developing new projects.  If you are considering applying for funding (e.g. Marie Curie), please contact me so that we can discuss ideas.

In addition, If you hold, or expect to gain, a 1st class honours degree, please contact me to discuss applying for one of Aberystywth University's PhD scholarships.  Aberystwyth's annual PhD Scholarship Competition is open to UK & EU nationals, provides full fees plus a stipend at UK Research Council rates.  The closing date is 1st March annually.

Other, funded vacancies will be advertised on this site and elsewhere as and when they arise.