Research Associate in Animal Welfare

The role

We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to support a research programme funded by the BBSRC under its response mode spotlight call in ‘Fundamental research to enhance animal welfare' and specifically 'measures of welfare, including developing and validating new measures'. The project seeks to develop methods which will enable the objective quantification of affective state in different species based on reward learning. We have recently shown that impairments in reward learning have the potential to provide a trans-species, cognitive biomarker of affective state. This project will develop automated methods to quantify reward learning in chickens and dogs as well as expanding our studies in mice. The project will involve both behavioural studies and working with engineers to develop novel automated devices to test reward learning in animals with minimal human interactions. The ultimate goal will be to validate methods for the unbiased assessment of animal welfare.

What will you be doing?

The main purpose of the role will be to work with the project engineer to develop and test novel reward delivery devices in different species. This will involve input to the design of the devices and working with our in-house workshop to generate prototypes and carry out pilot testing in mice, chickens and dogs. Once we have optimised the design we plan to run proof of concept studies in the field-testing sensitivity to affective state. There will also be an opportunity to develop coding expertise both for the development of the behavioural testing protocols and integration with RFID chip readers.

You should apply if

• You have a passion for animal welfare and interest in developing novel behavioural technologies.
• Previous experience in either animal welfare and behaviour and/or engineering and computer science would be beneficial, but we recognise this project will involve a range of skills and there will be opportunities to gain additional training where needed.
• You will need to be comfortable working with a different species and visiting local farms or people’s homes.
• Good organisational skills are essential as well as an ability to manage your time and multitask.

Additional information

For informal queries about the role please contact:

Emma Robinson, emma.s.j.robinson@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed Funding until 30/11/2027

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