Using Behavioral and Genomic Tools to Identify Pigs Suited for
Group Living Animal Behavior and Welfare Group
Department of Animal Science
Michigan State University
A PhD-level graduate student
position will be available starting in fall 2014 with Dr. Janice Siegford in the
Animal Behavior and Welfare Group (ABWG) at Michigan State University. The
student will be working on a project relating social
phenotypes to pig genotypes in order to improve suitability of sows for group
housing.
The successful
candidate will be involved in the development of data collection protocols, data
collection, and analysis of data for a USDA-funded project on understanding the
behavioral response of pigs to being mixed and in stable groups at a variety of
ages. Behavioral data collected via direct observation and from video
recording, will be used to create a social phenotype that will be related to concurrently
collected genotypic data. The project will involve collaboration with
colleagues working on swine genetics and statistical analysis at MSU and
internationally. The graduate student will be expected to coordinate a team of
undergraduate students working on the research project both on farm and in the
lab. The graduate student will assist the lab technician and other graduate
student with sample processing and data management and sharing.
In addition to the
primary research responsibilities described above, the candidate will be able to
participate in other ABWG and departmental activities including: assist with the
collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assist with teaching of undergraduate
and/or graduate courses, development of own research questions related to the
main project and grant writing.
Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a
MS degree in animal science or closely related field by the start of the
position. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in animal
behavior and welfare, as well as an interest in genetics and statistics. Though
the position will focus primarily on behavior and welfare, cross-training with
the genomics team will occur. 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 and a thorough
understanding of scientific methodology. The ideal candidate should be
comfortable and interested in working with pigs as well as with various types
of technology and data processing software. Candidates should enjoy working in
a dynamic research environment and be able to work across disciplines.
The position includes a
graduate stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance benefits for 4 years.
Interested in Applying? Interested candidates must apply
to the graduate program in the Department of Animal Science. Following receipt
of these materials, select candidates will be interviewed by phone. Applications
will be considered until May 15, 2014 or until a suitable candidate is found.
Please follow
directions related to applying to graduate school at MSU in order to submit
your application. Information on this process can be found at http://grad.msu.edu/apply/.
If you have any questions about the application process, you may email Kathy
Tatro (tatro@msu.edu). Questions regarding
the position can be directed to Dr. Siegford (siegford@msu.edu).