In recent years, a light has been shone on the inadequacies of improperly treated wastewater and the widespread species and ecosystem effects across environments. Concern of the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on wildlife is growing, specifically in relation to songbirds who are undergoing severe long-term declines. Wastewater treatment plants have long been viewed as valuable foraging sites for birds. Previous research has shown that EDCs are found in various aerial invertebrates, and therefore could feasibly accumulate in birds that specialise on aerial invertebrates at wastewater facilities, especially aerial feeders like hirundines (swallows, sand martins, house martins etc.)

SongBird Survival are partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University to tackle this issue and funding our newest PhD on Endocrine disrupting chemicals in waterways and the impact on the survival and breeding success of Hirundines.

The successful applicant will have the fantastic opportunity to investigate how EDCs in sand martins impact their reproductive success and survival, and make real world changes through outreach and scientific communications and engagement.

To apply or‍ for more information on the project, please view the advert here.

‍

The closing date for applications is 22nd July 2024 to start the project on the 1st October 2024.

Please submit your online application, thesis proposal and narrative CV to MMU at pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

‍