forming protective feeding groups.

This project will investigate how the presence or absence of the symbiont changes larval behaviour, the chemical and nutritional mechanisms behind these changes, and the potential consequences for survival when facing natural predators. The work will combine hypothesis-driven experiments in the laboratory with annual fieldwork in Panama, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, to place these findings in a real-world ecological context.

The student will gain a broad skill set, including behavioural tracking, microbial manipulation, chemical analysis (GC-MS), molecular biology, and statistical modelling. They will also receive training in transferable skills such as scientific communication, project management, and public engagement.

From the outset, the student will be encouraged to take ownership of the project, shaping experimental design, developing new approaches, and driving the research with increasing independence. By integrating laboratory, analytical, and field-based methods, the student will play an active role in defining the research direction and will have opportunities to present their work at international conferences and engage with a global network of collaborators. This is an opportunity to join an inclusive, collaborative, and internationally connected research environment, working on a conceptually novel project with relevance to ecology, evolution, and sustainable agriculture.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.

forming protective feeding groups.

This project will investigate how the presence or absence of the symbiont changes larval behaviour, the chemical and nutritional mechanisms behind these changes, and the potential consequences for survival when facing natural predators. The work will combine hypothesis-driven experiments in the laboratory with annual fieldwork in Panama, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, to place these findings in a real-world ecological context.

The student will gain a broad skill set, including behavioural tracking, microbial manipulation, chemical analysis (GC-MS), molecular biology, and statistical modelling. They will also receive training in transferable skills such as scientific communication, project management, and public engagement.

From the outset, the student will be encouraged to take ownership of the project, shaping experimental design, developing new approaches, and driving the research with increasing independence. By integrating laboratory, analytical, and field-based methods, the student will play an active role in defining the research direction and will have opportunities to present their work at international conferences and engage with a global network of collaborators. This is an opportunity to join an inclusive, collaborative, and internationally connected research environment, working on a conceptually novel project with relevance to ecology, evolution, and sustainable agriculture.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.