Google
 

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

3 PhD-researchers (1,0 fte each) Utrecht University

3 PhD-researchers (1,0 fte each)
(Utrecht), 38 hours per week
Utrecht University

Job description
We have the following research projects:

Project 1: The effects of early development on cognitive functioning in (mini)pigs;

Project 2: The effects of early development on emotionality in rodents;

Project 3: The effects of early development on pain, and vice versa, in animals.

Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
We are looking for candidates who
hold a DVM or a MSc in behavioral sciences or biology;
are computer literates in Microsoft Office software applications and statistical software (e.g. SAS or SPSS);
are experienced in planning, performing, analysing and reporting behavioral studies in animals. Histological, biochemical, and/or electrophysiological skills may be an advantage;
have the permission to work with laboratory animals (Artikel 9 bevoegdheid; Wet op de Dierproeven), or the willingness to acquire the necessary qualification;
excel in intellectual curiosity and bring a results- and performance-driven mind-set;
are able to collaborate in a multidisciplinary group.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Health)
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Health)

Organization
Utrecht University
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the only Veterinary School in the Netherlands, and ranks internationally amongst the highest in education, scientific research and clinical care. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is among Europe’s leaders in veterinary education, research and patient care as witnessed by its accreditation by both the American and Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations.

The faculty employs approximately 1000 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and, to facilitate the attainment of ‘critical mass’, its research functions are coordinated centrally by the Institute of Veterinary Sciences and the Graduate School of Animal Health. Further information concerning the faculty is available at the website http://www.vet.uu.nl/, while general information about Utrecht University can be found at http://www.uu.nl/.

The research program Emotion & Cognition at the Veterinary Faculty has its focus on the mechanisms regulating an animal’s success or failure in adapting to environmental challenges, which may be indicative for animal welfare. The general approach is to address the critical role of external risk factors or crucial life events during development on neurobiological circuits and their consequences for the emotional states and cognitive abilities.

We aim at investigating to what extent critical phases in the development of animals, in particular the pre-, peri- and early postnatal period, affect adaptive capacity, emotional state and cognitive abilities in adulthood. More specifically, we will focus on the valid identification, definition and measurement of emotional and cognitive (dys)function in animals, such as learning capacity, behavioural inhibition and pain perception. To reach these goals, we will a) evaluate the critical set points within the underlying neurobiological mechanisms regulating cognition and emotion and b) translate the results to veterinary practice. By understanding the biology of emotions, risk factors that potentially affect animal welfare can be identified and kept under control or may be eliminated.

Three departments of the Veterinary Faculty are cooperating in this program: the Department of Animals, Science & Society, the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, and the Department of Farm Animal Health.

For the research program we are looking for

3 PhD-researchers

Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Salary: scale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
We offer
fulltime employment for a period of 4 years;
an informal and inspiring working atmosphere;
a good income: the gross monthly salary coming with a fulltime appointment will amount to € 2,000.,- in the first year to € 2,558.- in the fourth year, (P-scale of the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities), excluding 8% holiday pay and 6,4% end-year bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

Additional Information
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
Application
You can apply for this job before 01-04-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

Personnel department of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine
M.E.J. Willemse-van Soest
PO Box 80163
3508 TD Utrecht

E-mail: vacatures1@vet.uu.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber 12823.

Further Details