As a result of a generous donation from the Charity “Feline Friends” the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lincoln (UK) is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship, for which we welcome applications from outstanding, enthusiastic and highly-motivated students from the EU (fully-funded) and worldwide (fees only). The project will involve extensive field work with cat-owners and so, in addition to excellent communication skills, an ability to drive and a willingness to work irregular hours (including weekends) will be essential. The successful candidates will join a thriving and dynamic research environment, and will receive higher level training in survey techniques, cognitive-behavioural methods, experimental design, data handling and statistical analysis.
Supervisory team: Dr Oliver Burman, Professor Jonathan Cooper, Professor Daniel Mills
The impact of electronic boundary fence systems on the welfare and well-being
of domestic cats
This substantial project is aimed at evaluating the impact of electronic boundary systems on cats. In the first instance you will be involved in gathering survey data to quantify and qualify the risks relating to the straying of pet cats from an owner’s property, (e.g. the prevalence of road traffic accidents, neighbourhood problems), the methods available for containment, their prevalence and efficacy. As this project will be largely field based, this initial phase will also be used to recruit volunteer owners for the latter stages. This element will be largely under the supervision of Prof Mills. The project will then focus on the development and implementation of methods to assess the emotional state of cats within the context of containment (for example, before and after the installation of an electronic fence system). This will involve the development and application of novel methodologies such as cognitive/decision making bias and incentive contrast in the cat, as well as approaches involved in integrated behavioural analysis, such as combined GPS and other telemetric approaches to determine the activity of animals. This element will be largely under the supervision of Dr Burman.
In your covering letter, please articulate clearly what you believe you will bring to each element of this project and your interest in the subject.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Burman oburman@lincoln.ac.uk
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will be referred to as the “Feline Friends Cat Welfare Scholar” in all communications relating to the activity of their post and be expected to be ambassadors for the promotion of feline welfare in all their activities.
Applications for this position are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Candidates must hold or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Masters degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology or a similar subject is desirable. Candidates need to be eligible to drive within the UK. The applicant must meet the minimum standard entry requirements for postgraduate courses: www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/postgraduate/entry_postgrad.htm.
Hands-on behavioural research experience will be an advantage, but full training will be provided for all techniques used. Post holders will be expected to contribute to the wider academic activity of the Department as part of their role. Applications will be reviewed from November 7th, prior to interview. The position is available for an immediate start.
Candidates should apply by sending a CV detailing their relevant skills and experiences along with a covering letter highlighting their aptitude for the post to biostudentships@lincoln.ac.uk, specifying ‘Cat Welfare’ as the subject of the email. Previously unsuccessful candidates cannot be reconsidered.