vendredi 14 mars 2014

Effects of Housing and Human-Animal Interactions on the Behavior and Welfare of Cats Center for Animal Welfare Science

Department of Animal Science and Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Purdue University

A MS-level graduate student position is available immediately for Fall 2014 with Dr. Candace Croney in the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) at Purdue University. The student will be working on a project investigating human-animal interactions and the behavior and welfare of domestic cats.

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of research protocols, data collection, and analysis of data for a Morris Animal Foundation-funded project on understanding the effect of housing and the quality of human-animal interactions on the behavior of cats in cages.  Behavioral data collected via direct observation and from video recording will be used to create recommendations for housing, handling and caring of cats to best meet their behavioral needs when housed in veterinary clinics, shelters and laboratories.  The graduate student will be expected to coordinate undergraduate students assisting with the research project and assist other graduate students as needed.

In addition to the primary research responsibilities described above, the candidate will be able to participate in other CAWS and departmental activities including: participation in the collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assistance with teaching of undergraduate courses and outreach activities on animal behavior and welfare, development of additional research questions related to the main project and travel to present research findings. Professional development opportunities are also available.

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a BS degree in Animal Science, Biology or closely related field by the start of the position. The ideal candidate should have a background in animal behavior and welfare, an understanding of scientific methodology, and should be comfortable and interested in working with cats.  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.  Demonstrated ability to use various types of technology and data processing software is preferred.  Candidates should enjoy working individually and as a team in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment.

This position includes a graduate stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance benefits for 2 years.

Interested in Applying? Interested candidates must apply to the graduate program in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. Following receipt of these materials, selected candidates will be interviewed by phone.  Applications will be reviewed beginning March 11, 2014 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.


Please follow directions related to applying to graduate school at Purdue University in order to submit your application. Information on this process can be found at http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/.  If you have any questions about the application process, you may email Barbara White (email:  whiteb@purdue.edu; phone: 765-494-7542).  Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Judith Stella (jstella@purdue.edu).