vendredi 7 février 2014

M.Sc. student position available in Dairy Cattle Welfare

Research Area: The research area is within animal behaviour, health and welfare. The successful candidate will conduct survey research to identify and benchmark issues (training, behaviour/welfare issues, productivity) experienced by Canadian producers when adopting and using AMS systems, and the solutions they have developed in response to those issues. The student will be responsible for conducting surveys as well as coordinating data collection in other provinces.  The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to assist in a variety of other animal welfare projects, including dairy heifer management, cattle transport, cattle lameness and the welfare of rodeo animals.    

Program and Place of Work: Funding is available for a Master of Science program (M.Sc.) through the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (http://vet.ucalgary.ca/graduate/) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Herman Barkema from the University of Calgary and Dr. Trevor DeVries from the University of Guelph. 

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, biological sciences or social sciences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated a strong academic performance in their undergraduate program.  Individuals with a dairy background as well as training in animal behaviour and welfare  and/or survey research are highly encouraged to apply. 

Salary: Candidates must be academically competitive and will be expected to apply for external funding. Minimum stipend is $20,000/yr.  For outstanding students, internal top-up award opportunities are available on a competitive basis. 

Start Date:  The position is currently available, with funding for 2 years

Application Interest:  Interested candidates should send by email (eapajor@ucalgary.ca) a current curriculum vitae, a scanned copy of transcript or listing of course grades, names and contact information for two references, and a cover letter describing your interest in the project.

For further information about the above Ph.D. research opportunity please contact:
Dr. Ed Pajor, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary
3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Phone: 403-210-7328
Email:  eapajor@ucalgary.ca