Positions

Postdoctoral Fellowship Position Available in welfare assessment of breeding dogs in high volume kennels at Purdue University, Center for Animal Welfare Science, Department of Comparative Pathobiology

A postdoctoral position is available immediately with Dr. Candace Croney at Purdue University. The successful candidate will lead and participate in research projects focusing on overall welfare evaluations of dogs and puppies originating from commercial breeding kennels in the US, developing field-ready metrics of canine welfare, and evaluating welfare risks and outcomes associated with rehoming dogs from high volume kennels. Based on their interests, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects of interest, to build their teaching, mentoring, and grant-writing portfolios, and to work with the leadership of the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) to devise and deliver high impact activities.
 

The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for data collection and analysis for projects focused on evaluating the physical, physiological and behavioral responses of large and small breed dogs housed in kennels with various designs, resources and space allocations. Data collected will be used to refine and validate metrics of positive and negative welfare states in dogs at their home kennels and following retirement and rehoming. The project will involve collaboration with colleagues at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Auburn University, and University of Guelph, as well as dog breeders, adopters, animal welfare organizations, and various animal health experts.
 

Travel is expected for the data collection component of the research studies. Therefore, candidate should have or be able to obtain a license to drive in the US.
 

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a PhD degree in animal/veterinary (or other related) science or psychology, and must be able to work well within an interdisciplinary team and those with diverse backgrounds. Candidate must also be able and willing to conduct field research and must have strong statistical analysis and writing skills. Preferred qualifications include experience with animal behavior and welfare science research. Candidates with interests/experience in behavioral genetics and animal physiology are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience with dogs is not required, but will be considered an asset, especially fear free handling and venipuncture experience with dogs. The ideal candidate should have strong and oral communication skills in addition to experience with scientific research techniques in applied ethology.
 

The postdoctoral fellow position includes salary and benefits for 12 months with potential for additional longer-term funding.
 

Interested in Applying? Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Croney ([email protected]due.edu). Applications will be considered immediately and until a suitable candidate is found.