Using technology to enhance dairy cow wellbeing

Title: Doctoral Studentship (PhD)

Application Closing Date: 1^st November 2021

Location: Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.

Stipend: £14,000 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time (3 years)

Area of Research:

Using technology to enhance dairy cow wellbeing

The aim of this studentship is to study the productive life of dairy cows, and determine how technology can be used to objectively monitor animal wellbeing. This project will explore the use of different technologies and how the information can enhance farm level decision making and animal management. Technology offers the opportunity to provide an objective assessment of animals and support existing farm operations. As farming processes become increasingly data informed, how that information is best utilised by farmers is still poorly understood and particularly for managing the lifetime performance of individual animals or as a group. The objectives of the work are to:

1) Identify technology and objective measures that to assess individual cow wellbeing

2) Compare new objective measures with existing subjective approaches

3) Inform farm level practice that enhances animal management.

For more information and for an initial discussion please contact [Email Address Removed]

Description of studentship:

Hartpury University is pleased to be offering three fully funded studentship to start on 3^rd January 2022. This studentship will be based in the Animal and Agriculture Research Centre. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to become part of vibrant postgraduate community in an idyllic rural setting, with world leading facilities and undertaking impactful cutting-edge research. University of the West of England is the awarding body for this degree.

Studentships comprise tuition fees at home rates and a stipend of GBP 14k per year tenable for 3 years. Alongside their research projects, successful candidates will be asked (as a condition of their stipend) to deliver up to 7 hours per week teaching or research support within the Department in which the PhD is hosted. 

PhD Studentship Selection Criteria:

The following criteria will be taken into account when considering applications:

• The strength of your professional and academic profile, as demonstrated through previous study and/or professional experience
• The quality, invention and viability of ideas relating to the research project you are applying for
• The contribution you are able to make to the Hartpury research community and your host department, in terms of both research and teaching

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold at least a 2:1 or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK. The candidate’s degree relevant to the studentship should demonstrate their potential for practice-led research or alternative evidence of research aptitude.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognised English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent).

Applying for a PhD studentship

To apply for a PhD studentship you must send the following documents to [Email Address Removed]:

• A curiculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• A recent piece of critical writing you have completed (max 3000 words)
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on 1^st November 2021 will not be considered.

If your application is selected. You will be invited for interview on 8^th November. All applicants must ensure their availability on this date.

Key dates

1^st November 2021: Deadline for submission of applications

5^th November 2021: Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates*

8^th November 2021: Interviews at Hartpury*

19^th November 2021: Studentships announced

26^th November 2021: Deadline for accepting studentship

3^rd January 2022: Studentship begins

* Please note that by submitting an application you are confirming your availability to attend an interview on 8^th November

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. 

Hartpury values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.