PhD Studentship, Scottish Agricultural College
Description
SAC is a Scottish organisation dedicated to innovation and the transfer of knowledge to the land based industries. Our 900 staff provide consultancy, research, education and training services to rural businesses and communities via a nation-wide network of around 40 business units.
Aggressive behaviour in pigs is a major welfare issue that compromises animal health, production (feed efficiency and growth), product quality, and affects the profitability and environmental impact of pig production. This research project focuses on minimising the damaging effects associated with social aggression for which SAC has developed highly informative traits. Using genomic and animal behavioural approaches, this project will supply essential selection strategies, which not only take into account an individual’s predisposition for aggressive and feeding behaviour/efficiency, but also its effect on group members.
During the course of this 4-year BBSRC funded PhD industrial CASE studentship (in collaboration with Biosciences KTN and Genus PLC, USA) the student will provide novel insight into the genomic regulation of aggressive and feeding behaviour and improve the understanding of the influence of interactions between causative genetic and non-genetic factors on these traits. The integration of different disciplines, including molecular genetics and animal behaviour, will provide an excellent training opportunity for a PhD student. In addition the student will have the opportunity for an industrial placement (minimum 6 months) at Genus PLC, USA, a world leading pig and cattle breeding company.
The successful candidate will be supported for 4 years, starting October 2011, subjected to standard of BBSRC and University of Edinburgh conditions that include at least an upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification in animal science, genetics, animal behaviour, or a relevant subject, together with being a UK citizen or UK resident for at least three years (see website BBSRC industrial CASE studentship). This studentship will provide a student stipend (£13,590 p.a. with top-up contribution from Genus/PIC of £2,600 p.a.) as well as tuition fees (£3,732). The student will be based at SAC, Roslin Institute, Easter Bush, Midlothian.
Application packs are available from Audrey Johnstone or our website quoting reference SAC/52190029/Roehe.htm
To have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Prof. Rainer Roehe, Sustainable Livestock Systems Research Group, Scottish Agricultural College, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, United Kingdom, Tel: (0131) 535 3509.
The closing date for the return of applications is 12 noon on Thursday 30th June 2011. Interviews: 2nd week of July. Please quote reference SAC/52190029/Roehe.
For more information