Center for Animal Welfare
Science
Department of Comparative
Pathobiology
Purdue University
A PhD-level graduate student
position is available starting Spring 2016 or Summer 2016 with Dr. Brianna
Gaskill in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue University and
a member of the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS). The student will evaluate the effects of climate change and thermal stress on the
behavioral and physiological response in farm and laboratory animal species.
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Jay Johnson from the in the
Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS located on the Purdue University
campus.
The successful
candidate will be involved in the development of research protocols, data
collection, and analysis of data on understanding the
impact of thermal stress on scientific measures taken from mice and pigs. Behavioral data
collected via video recording will be used to create recommendations for housing, enrichment
provision and the importance of eliminating this stressor to better meet the
needs of the animals while improving scientific results. The graduate student
will be expected to coordinate undergraduate students assisting with the
research project and assist other graduate students as needed.
In addition to the
primary research responsibilities described above, the candidate will be able
to participate in other CAWS and departmental activities including: participation
in the collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assistance with teaching
of undergraduate courses and outreach activities on animal behavior and welfare,
development of additional research questions related to the main project and travel
to present research findings. Professional development opportunities are also
available.
Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a
M.S. degree in Animal Science, Biology or closely related field by the start of
the position. The ideal candidate should have a background in animal behavior, physiology,
and welfare, an understanding of scientific methodology, and should be
comfortable and interested in working with rodents and pigs. The candidate
should have strong written and oral communication skills in addition to experience
with scientific research techniques, preferably in applied ethology in the lab
and field. Demonstrated ability to use various types of technology and data
processing software is preferred. Candidates should enjoy working individually
and as a team in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment.
This position includes
a graduate stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance benefits.
Interested in Applying? Interested candidates must apply
to the graduate program in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
Following receipt of these materials, selected candidates will be interviewed by
phone. Applications will be reviewed continuously
until a suitable candidate is found.
Please follow
directions related to applying to graduate school at Purdue University in order
to submit your application. Information on this process can be found at http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/.
If you have any questions about the application process, you may email
Barbara White (email: whiteb@purdue.edu;
phone: 765-494-7542). Questions
regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Brianna Gaskill (bgaskill@purdue.edu ).