PhD Studentship: Understanding Interspecies Competition in the Conservation of Willow Tits Across the Mersey Forest Post-Industrial Woodlands

This project includes the annual stipend of £19,532.69.

Willow tits (Poecile montanus) are the fastest declining resident bird species in the UK, having seen a 90% reduction in population size since 1999. The Northwest of England is home to most of the surviving breeding pairs of willow tit. However, recent conservation efforts have often met with limited success. This project is aimed at testing hypotheses in willow tit conservation strategies by focusing on describing behaviour, community structure, and interspecific competition across a network of post-industrial woodlands in Merseyside. The outcome of this project will provide evidence-based data on how current forest management practices impact willow-tit recovery schemes and biodiversity net-gain goals. We will develop and build upon emerging technologies in ManMet’s new £117M science facilities, focusing on non-invasive biodiversity monitoring and experimental behavioural ecology through bioacoustics. The work will also aim to fill crucial knowledge gaps about the differential success of closely related species in human-disrupted landscapes, through experimental investigation of willow tit and blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) competition and interaction.

Project aims and objectives

The aims of this project are to better understand factors related to the decline of the UK Red-Listed species, the willow tit (Poecile montanus), and provide evidence-based data on how current land management strategies affect willow tit recovery schemes and avian biodiversity generally.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Candidates would ideally have a background in behavioural ecology or animal conservation. This project will require extensive time in the field, often early in the morning. Experience in identification observation, and study of birds and their behaviour will be essential. You will need to spend considerable time in the field, and ideally hold a full UK driving license, preferably with access to a vehicle, as many of the study sites are not easy to access by public transportation. Previous experience working with bioacoustics would be advantageous. You will have an honours degree at a first or upper-second class level Masters degree, with a research component. Candidates should have an excellent academic track record, ideally with publication(s), and evidence of analytical and organisational skills.

Further information

Interested applicants may wish to contact Dr Sue Anne Zollinger (s.zollinger@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Biological Science (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal  and a Narrative CV form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.  In the “proposal” section of the PGR form, please refer to the aims and objectives described in the project advertisement and write about how you might design experiments that would allow you to meet these objectives.

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: Monday 13 January 2025

Expected start date: Monday 7 April 2025

Please note that Home fees are covered. Eligible International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-BioSci-SAZ-2025-Mersey Forest

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