Human-Animal Interaction
Purdue University
Position
A competitive position is available for a highly motivated and promising individual seeking either a Masters or PhD related to Human-Animal Interaction with Dr. Maggie O’Haire. The position will be dually located in the Center for the Human-Animal Bond and the Center for Animal Welfare Science at Purdue University. The research program will involve evaluating outcomes of Human-Animal Interaction for children with autism spectrum disorder and their typically-developing peers. Animals involved in this research program will include a variety of species (e.g. dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, and horses).
The successful candidate will be involved in the development of experimental design, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing related to behavioral, psychology, and physiological outcomes of Human-Animal Interaction. There will be a strong focus on behavioral coding of video recorded interactions between children and animals. The student will be expected to work with collaborators and supervise undergraduate students assisting with the research.
Qualifications
The student must have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a field related to Human-Animal Interaction, including but not limited to: psychology, public health, animal behavior, or medicine.
Qualities
The ideal candidate should exhibit a high level of organization, professionalism, reliability, interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Experience and Skills
We are seeking excellent candidates with a range of skills. The following are desirable skills and experiences:
Research or practice with children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children
Research project management
o Developing and carrying out experimental protocols
o Participant recruitment and retention
o Writing consent and debriefing letters
o Database management
Writing experience
o IRB and IACUC proposals
o Peer-reviewed publications
o Conference abstracts and presentations
Software experience
o Microsoft Access
o Microsoft Excel VBA
o SPSS or an equivalent statistical software
o Video editing
o Qualtrics or other survey software
o Tablet application development for data collection
Psycho-physiology experience (collection, processing, and analysis)
o Electrodermal activity
o Cortisol, alpha-amylase (or other salivary assays)
o Heart rate
Remuneration
The position includes a graduate stipend, partial tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance benefits for two years, with the potential of funding for two additional years (for a PhD candidate).
Deadline
Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. It is therefore encouraged that applications be submitted as soon as possible.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should send an inquiry to Barbara White at whiteb@purdue.edu. Interested candidates must apply to the Graduate School through the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. Information on this process can be found at:
http://www.vet.purdue.edu/cpb/graduate-programs.php#apply.
Following receipt of these materials, select candidates will be interviewed via Skype or in person. If you have any questions about the application process, you may email whiteb@purdue.edu. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Maggie O’Haire (mohaire@purdue.edu).
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University values, nurtures, and respects all members of its community and ensures an environment of inclusive excellence where all students, faculty, and staff are inspired and empowered to achieve their full potential. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
For more information on related research projects, see:
www.humananimalinteraction.org