lundi 23 novembre 2015

Effects of Thermal Stress on Behavior, Physiology, and Welfare of Animals



Center for Animal Welfare Science
Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Purdue University

A PhD-level graduate student position is available starting Spring 2016 or Summer 2016 with Dr. Brianna Gaskill in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue University and a member of the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS). The student will evaluate the effects of climate change and thermal stress on the behavioral and physiological response in farm and laboratory animal species. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Jay Johnson from the in the Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS located on the Purdue University campus.

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of research protocols, data collection, and analysis of data on understanding the impact of thermal stress on scientific measures taken from mice and pigs. Behavioral data collected via video recording will be used to create recommendations for housing, enrichment provision and the importance of eliminating this stressor to better meet the needs of the animals while improving scientific results. 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 M.S. 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, physiology, and welfare, an understanding of scientific methodology, and should be comfortable and interested in working with rodents and pigs. The candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills in addition to experience with scientific research techniques, preferably 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.

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 continuously 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. Brianna Gaskill (bgaskill@purdue.edu ).