Validating
a new cognitive proxy measure of animals’ affective state
Director of Studies: Dr Carole Fureix
Second Supervisor: Dr Ben Brilot
Third Supervisor: Professor Mike Mendl, University of Bristol
Project description
Accurate measurement of
animal welfare is essential in order to correctly assess the wellbeing of
animals managed in different ways. Because welfare heavily depends on how
animals feel, we need to develop welfare measures that capture the animal’s
affective state valence [i.e. is that a positive or a negative state]. Measures
that do so are the affect-related cognitive judgements of ambiguity, since
people and animals in negative affective states appear to judge ambiguous
stimuli more pessimistically than their counterparts in more positive affective
states. Existing cognitive measures in animals also have major limitations,
however, such as requiring a labour-intensive training regime. Working with
horses and dogs as subjects, this project aims to validate a novel cognitive
proxy measure of animal affect, which will capture the valence of the animal’s
affective state while reducing the need for labour-intensive animal training.
You will be trained in animal handling, behaviour quantification and welfare
assessment, cognition, and develop competence sought in any scientific career
paths, such as advanced statistical analysis, connecting with industry,
conference presentations and scientific writing, involvement in project
supervision, and experience of public engagement.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a minimum of a first class or upper second class bachelor degree. Applications from candidates with a relevant masters qualification will be welcomed. Applicants should be self-motivated with a commitment to research and excellent ability to work independently as well as a team member. A current UK/EU driving licence is essential to this role due to the requirement to travel to isolated establishments. Desirable aspects are an MSc or MRes qualification in behaviour, animal welfare and/or cognition, own transport, evidence of high involvement in previous research projects (e.g. co-authorship in presentations at international scientific conferences and/or in peer-reviewed scientific publications), experience of conducting research with dogs and/or horses.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Carole Fureix. However, application must be made in accordance with the details below.
Funding
The studentship will
have a three year duration and will cover full-time Home/EU tuition fees plus a
stipend of £14,777 per annum. The studentship will only fund those
applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications.
Applicants required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference
between Home/EU and overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £10,350 per
annum).
General information
about applying for a research degree at Plymouth University is available at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees/applicants-and-enquirers
You can apply via the
online application form which can be found at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/postgraduate and select ‘Apply’.
Please mark it FAO Miss
Aimee McNeillie and clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship
within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.
For more information on
the admissions process contact Aimee McNeillie.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 06 April 2018.
Shortlisted candidates
will be invited for interview in early May. We regret that we may not be able
to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a
place by 30 May 2018 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on
this occasion.
To have more details : https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-studentships/validating-a-new-cognitive-proxy-measure-of-animals-affective-state