Position: 2-year MSc project on boredom in farm animals at the Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. The project will experimental work with dairy cattle (some potential to work with other farmed species). Ideal candidates will have a BSc in animal science, zoology or related fields, some experience in behavioural observations, and be independent and motivated.
The project is funded via an NSERC Discovery grant.
The candidate would be joining a research group working on animal behaviour and welfare in a range of farmed species, with active international connections. Through Dalhousie and the Mitacs program, they will have access to training sessions in relevant professional skills, and gain experience communicating with industry and academic audiences. The Agricultural Campus offers access to farm animals on site: www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/research/labs_groups_facilities/faculty-of-agriculture-farm.html
Proposed start: January or May 2025
Stipend: $26,000 year 1 + $25,000 year 2, minus tuition fees.
The candidate would be supported in applying for additional funding if needed. For fee information and general information about graduate programs here, see https://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/programs/graduate-studies/graduate-program-faqs.html. However, applicants should not complete the Dalhousie application until selected for the position.
To apply: send a CV, unofficial transcript, contact information for 2 references, and a sample of scientific writing to Rebecca.meagher@dal.ca. Applications will be assessed as they come in.