Back to search results

PhD Studentship: AI-powered insights into susceptibility of parrots to viral infection, CASE project with Ebony Forest and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust / Jersey Zoo

University of East Anglia - School of Environmental Sciences

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Norwich
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: £20,780 p.a. for 2025/26
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 10th October 2025
Closes: 7th January 2026
Reference: VANOOSTHERHOUT_UEA_ARIES26

Primary Supervisor: Prof Cock van Oosterhout

Scientific background: 

Population bottlenecks erode genetic variation, which makes threatened species susceptible to viral epidemics. So, what makes an individual Resistant, Tolerant, or Susceptible (R/T/S) to a virus? That is the key question we aim to answer in this PhD study. We have gathered data on viral outbreaks over ~20 years and sequenced hundreds of bird genomes, working on some of the best-studied avian models (Mauritius parakeet, ringneck parakeet, red-crowned parakeet, and orange-bellied parrot). The PhD candidate will study data from the Mauritius parakeet to develop an AI model that can predict the response to viral infection based on genomics data. Moreover, there is the option to conduct fieldwork in Mauritius to gather additional field data, and for comparative genomics analyses.  

Research methodology: 

During this PhD project, we will sequence genomes of 531 already-sampled full-sib pairs with known R/T/S status. (This is funded by recently awarded NERC grant). The PGR will conduct bioinformatic analyses on these data, focussing on immune genes, and perform a comparative genomic analysis across parakeets and parrots. They will construct an AI model to identify genomic predictors of R/T/S in the Mauritius parakeet, and they will conduct analysis in SLiM to examine how genomic erosion reduces immunogenetic diversity, and how that affects disease susceptibility. The PGR will test the following hypotheses: 

  1. Genome erosion increases susceptibility to viral infection. 
  2. Inbred individuals are more susceptible to viral infection. 
  3. Individuals with Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) spanning immune genes are more susceptible to viral infection. 
  4. Differences in alleles at immune genes explain variation in disease status of birds. 

Training: 

AI modelling, SLiM modelling (i.e., an individual based model to assess population viability), genomics analysis, immune gene analysis, applied bird conservation, comparative genomics, and tropical field work (optional). 

Person specification: 

Prior experience in computer coding (e.g., Python, SLiM), AI modelling, and understanding of evolutionary or conservation genetics / genomics is desirable. Good teamwork skills are essential. 

Entry Requirements:

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Acceptable first degree: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Conservation Biology 

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Start Date:

1 October 2026

Funding Information

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.  

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs from University of East Anglia

Show all PhDs for this organisation …

More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge