mercredi 12 février 2014

PhD Student Position Available

Using Behavioral and Genomic Tools to Identify Pigs Suited for Group Living Animal Behavior and Welfare Group
Department of Animal Science
Michigan State University

A PhD-level graduate student position will be available starting in fall 2014 with Dr. Janice Siegford in the Animal Behavior and Welfare Group (ABWG) at Michigan State University. The student will be working on a project relating social phenotypes to pig genotypes in order to improve suitability of sows for group housing.

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of data collection protocols, data collection, and analysis of data for a USDA-funded project on understanding the behavioral response of pigs to being mixed and in stable groups at a variety of ages. Behavioral data collected via direct observation and from video recording, will be used to create a social phenotype that will be related to concurrently collected genotypic data. The project will involve collaboration with colleagues working on swine genetics and statistical analysis at MSU and internationally. The graduate student will be expected to coordinate a team of undergraduate students working on the research project both on farm and in the lab. The graduate student will assist the lab technician and other graduate student with sample processing and data management and sharing.

In addition to the primary research responsibilities described above, the candidate will be able to participate in other ABWG and departmental activities including: assist with the collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assist with teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate courses, development of own research questions related to the main project and grant writing.

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a MS degree in animal science or closely related field by the start of the position. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in animal behavior and welfare, as well as an interest in genetics and statistics. Though the position will focus primarily on behavior and welfare, cross-training with the genomics team will occur. The candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills in addition to experience with scientific research techniques in applied ethology in the lab and field and a thorough understanding of scientific methodology. The ideal candidate should be comfortable and interested in working with pigs as well as with various types of technology and data processing software. Candidates should enjoy working in a dynamic research environment and be able to work across disciplines.

The position includes a graduate stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance benefits for 4 years.

Interested in Applying? Interested candidates must apply to the graduate program in the Department of Animal Science. Following receipt of these materials, select candidates will be interviewed by phone. Applications will be considered until May 15, 2014 or until a suitable candidate is found.


Please follow directions related to applying to graduate school at MSU in order to submit your application. Information on this process can be found at http://grad.msu.edu/apply/. If you have any questions about the application process, you may email Kathy Tatro (tatro@msu.edu). Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Siegford (siegford@msu.edu).