Msc thesis: How do prey chemical defences influence bird physiology? at University of Jyväskylä – Finland

How do prey chemical defences influence bird physiology?
Many insects have evolved chemical defences against avian predators, but the physiological costs associated with ingesting prey toxins remain poorly understood. We use wild great tits as model predators to investigate the physiological changes (e.g. oxidative stress) caused by prey toxins (e.g. Iridoid glycosides).
Required skills: Interest in ecology, physiology and microbiology, some laboratory experience

Learning Opportunities: Laboratory analyses, statistics, writing, possibility to conduct experiments with wild birds

Schedule: Laboratory analyses anytime in 2026, bird experiments Jan-Mar 2026

The Environmental Physiology lab, led by Suvi Ruuskanen, research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, behavioural and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include, for example, physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. We also have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity. We mostly use birds (passerine birds and Japanese quail) as our study models.

Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä
The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The department houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel. The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU’s naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.