Position Summary

The successful candidate will be involved in using social network analysis methods as part of a USDA-funded project aimed at using social interactions among pigs housed in groups to develop more robust models of indirect (social) genetic effects of pigs on pen penmates. Ultimately, data and analytical methods generated by the project will be used to expand genetic selection criteria to social behavior to facilitate better welfare of pigs living in groups. The project will involve collaboration with colleagues working on swine behavior, genetics, technology and statistical analysis at MSU and internationally. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with other graduate students and postdocs and help coordinate and mentor undergraduate students working on the project. The candidate will assist with manual video decoding as needed to collect data for social network analysis and as part of a complementary project training and testing various automated methods of detecting behavioral phenotypes.

In addition to the primary research responsibilities described above, the candidate will be able to participate in other Animal Behavioral Welfare Group and departmental activities including: assisting with the collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assisting with teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate courses, developing research questions related to their dissertation, and grant writing.

This position is initially for one year with a possibility of an extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Required Degree

Doctorate - animal sci., genetics, biology, zoology

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have completed a PhD in animal science, genetics, biology, zoology or related field by the start of the position. The ideal candidates will combine interest and experience in both animal behavior and statistical analysis. Key skills include the ability to write statistical analysis code (e.g., R), experience with scientific research techniques in applied ethology, and ability to work with behavior decoding programs. It is also expected that the candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills and understanding of scientific methodology.

Desired Qualifications

The candidate needs to be comfortable and interested in working with analytical software as well as with pigs and people. Candidates should enjoy working in a dynamic research environment and be able to work across disciplines.

Required Application Materials

Letter of interest, CV, and contact information for 2 references.

Special Instructions

Please direct any questions regarding the position to Dr. Siegford (siegford@msu.edu) or Dr. Steibel (steibelj@msu.edu).

Summary of Health Risks

work with pigs.

Website

www.ans.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.