PhD Studentship: Understanding The Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance by Migratory Birds, NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship for September 2026 Entry

University of Exeter - Department of Ecology and Conservation

About the Partnership

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details about the programme please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/

For eligible successful applicants, the studentships comprises:

• An stipend for 3.5 years (currently £20,780 p.a. for 2026/27) in line with UK Research and Innovation rates
• Payment of university tuition fees
• The budget for project costs is £9,000 which can be used for computer, lab, and fieldwork costs necessary for you to conduct your research.
• There is also a conference budget of £2,000 and individual Training Budget of £1,000 for specialist training

Project Aims and Methods

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat to human, animal, and environmental health. Migratory birds are likely important vectors of AMR, traversing vast distances and interacting with multiple wildlife species and diverse environments. However, we still lack a fundamental understanding of the forces shaping AMR transmission within and among wildlife species, especially migrants.

Using a model wild migratory bird system, the light-bellied Brent goose, we will ask questions about how host social interactions and space use shape individual ‘resistome’ dynamics and transmission. Using a global metaanalysis approach, we will ask questions about the spatial and temporal scales at which risk of spread of AMR by migrants is highest, and how this varies by species. The student will have significant freedom to shape the direction of research questions and approaches to suit their own interests.

The project will provide training in a comprehensive set of techniques and approaches, including metanalytical statistical methods, fieldwork in Iceland, wild bird handling and sampling, lab skills for profiling AMR and host-associated microbial communities, and downstream bioinformatic and statistical analysis of these traits. The partnership with ZSL unites a set of supervisors with extensive experience of studying wild bird ecology, life history and epidemiology.

Collaborative Partner

ZSL will provide access to Lab facilities and analytical training.

For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via: x.harrison@exeter.ac.uk