Department of Animal
Science and Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Purdue University
A MS-level graduate student
position is available immediately for Fall 2014 with Dr. Candace Croney in the Center
for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) at Purdue University. The student will be
working on a project investigating human-animal
interactions and the behavior and welfare of domestic cats.
The successful
candidate will be involved in the development of research protocols, data
collection, and analysis of data for a Morris Animal Foundation-funded project
on understanding the effect of housing and the quality
of human-animal interactions on the behavior of cats in cages. Behavioral data collected via direct observation and from
video recording will be used to create recommendations for housing, handling and caring of cats to best
meet their behavioral needs when
housed in veterinary clinics, shelters and laboratories. 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
BS 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
and welfare, an understanding of scientific methodology, and should be
comfortable and interested in working with cats. 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. 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 for 2 years.
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
beginning March 11, 2014 and will continue 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. Judith Stella (jstella@purdue.edu).