jeudi 18 octobre 2018

Funded PhD position: Livestock perception of human voices – investigating the perception of human voice cues in goats

Livestock perception of human voices – investigating the perception of human voice cues in goats


Project Description
Dr. McElligott’s research group is focussed on developing goats as a model species for comparative cognition and welfare studies. Prof. Semple’s research group has developed and used a range of methods to explore animal emotions. Traditionally, animal welfare research has focussed on identifying and preventing poor welfare. However, preventing poor welfare is not the same as providing animals with opportunities to experience positive welfare. Therefore gaining a better understanding of the cognitive abilities of goats and other livestock is critical for progress. This research will investigate how goats perceive different cues provided by human voices. 

The project will include behavioural observations, as well as cognitive and playback experiments. All data collection will be carried at an animal sanctuary, using a large number of habituated animals. 

Requirements
The successful candidate will need to be able to work independently, and as part of a team. They will receive appropriate training for the research, e.g. bioacoustics and other technology for studying behaviour and physiology (e.g. heart rates). It is extremely important that the successful candidate maintains our excellent working relationship with the host animal sanctuary, including promoting the work of this organisation through social and other media. 

Applicants should have at least a 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Zoology, Psychology or a related subject and a relevant Masters degree. International students are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English language skills. 

A full, clean driving license is required. 

How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the Roehampton Graduate School website for details of the application process: https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/graduate-school/funding/ and for further details including references and contact information. 

Closing Date: Midday on November 14, 2018 
Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing November 26, 2018.

Funding Notes
This PhD is fully-funded by the University of Roehampton, Department of Life Sciences and covers Home/EU fees, as well as an annual stipend at current Research Council rates. In addition to the time spent on their PhD project, full-time students funded by the university shall be available for the equivalent of 6 hours of additional work per week over 40 weeks per year. Where this involves the student undertaking teaching or teaching-related work, the time for preparation, marking and related administration shall be included in those six hours maximum per week. NB International applicants would need to be able to pay the difference between Home/EU and Overseas fees for the duration of the programme.