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On 1 January 2014, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the University of Life Sciences merged and became –NMBU, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NMBU has 1700 employees and 5100 students, and is currently located on two campuses – Ås, about 30 km south of Oslo, and Adamstuen in Oslo.
Further information about NMBU is available on www.nmbu.no
PhD scholarship in ethology – ref.no 14/03293
The Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD position focused on canine ethology.
The Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences is recognised as a leading international learning institute focused on higher education in animal and aquacultural sciences. The ethology group, comprising three professors, one associate professor, two post-doctoral researchers, and multiple PhD and Master’s students, provides a stimulating and supportive research environment. In addition to working closely with ethologists specializing in canine ethology, the student will have the opportunity to interact with department faculty conducting research on canine genetics and nutrition. The department has a vigorous post-graduate student community, and is active in the teaching of courses and continuing education programs on canine ethology and breeding for behaviour consultants, dog breeders and trainers, and people using dogs in animal-assisted therapy.
Research project
The successful candidate will participate in a 3-year project on "Assessment of personality traits in dogs” funded by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The project is linked to a study evaluating methods used to select dogs suitable for police work in the Nordic countries. The student will develop a model for predicting personality traits of adult dogs based on knowledge of juvenile behaviour and morphology, and aspects of the rearing environment. This topic is of fundamental interest for understanding the development of individual differences in behaviour as well as having applications to the breeding and training of dogs for specific service activities.
Main tasks
- Evaluation of the effect of age at testing on the validity of behavioural tests used to select dogs for particular service functions.
- Elucidation of rearing environment variables affecting the behavioural and emotional profiles of adult dogs.
- Development of novel morphological and behavioural markers of personality traits in dogs.
- Development, administration and analysis of questionnaires directed at dog owners/handlers.
- Interaction with international collaborators and travel to collect data in different countries.
- Development of statistical models for predicting adult dog behaviour.
- Presentation of findings in high-quality publications.
The successful candidate is required to enter a plan during the first months of the appointment for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree, with a view to completing a doctorate within the stipulated 3-year PhD scholarship period.
Academic qualifications
The successful applicant must have a Master of Science degree or equivalent in ethology or other relevant area in the life sciences.
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Academic standing.
- Quality of Master’s thesis and other scholarly contributions.
- Research experience in animal behavior.
- Originality and logic of research ideas.
- Skills in statistical analysis.
Desired personal qualities
Personal characteristics important for the position are:
- Ability to perform independent work, to take initiatives, and to generate new ideas.
- Ability to interact effectively with research team members, dog owners, and service dog handlers.
- Analytic ability and systematic, academic approach to research.
- Organizational skills and motivation to be prolific in the conduct and dissemination of high quality research.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
NMBU offers:
- An optimistic, dynamic academic institution.
- Focus on professional development, dissemination and competence.
- An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities.
- Daily contact with inspiring students and skilled colleagues.
- Generous employee benefit schemes.
- Beautiful surroundings just outside Oslo.
Remuneration
The salary for PhD-scholarship starts at wage grade 50 (equivalent to annual salary 421 100 NOK) on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follows standard meriting regulations.
Employment is governed according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.
Further information
For further information, please contact Dr. Ruth Newberry, Associate Professor.
E-mail: ruth.newberry@nmbu.no; phone +47 67232628.
Application
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application deadline: 06.07.2014
Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), the Master’s thesis and any other relevant papers and publications, and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). All application materials must be received by the application deadline.
Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, to arrive no later than July 6, 2014. Please quote reference number 14/03293
If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
A compulsory contribution of 2 % is made to the Norwegian State Pension Fund. A good working environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of gender, physical ability or cultural background. The workplace will if necessary be facilitated for persons with disabilities.
According to the Freedom of Information Act § 25 the list of applicants for this position may be made public irrespective of whether the applicant has requested that his/her name be withheld.