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Assoc Prof MJ Farnworth, Dr C Hall
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
More people are moving into urban spaces and living in high-density housing. As a result, the number of cats housed indoors is likely to increase, with some breeds being considered more suitable housecats than others. Knowledge concerning the impact of indoor housing, breed-type and owner behaviour on the welfare of cats is sparse. This PhD project seeks to investigate the following key research questions:
1) Why do owners choose indoor lifestyles for their cats and how do they provide for them?
2) How do care provision, breed-type and past experience impact upon the behaviour and adaptability of cats in an indoor environment?
3) How do morphological traits associated with breed (e.g. skull type) impact upon the behaviour and welfare of cats generally and indoor cats specifically?
The successful candidate will be trained in advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and expand their knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare. They will also gain experience of conference presentation, scientific writing and communication with stakeholders.
Applicant criteria:
Applicants should be passionate about both the advancement of scientific knowledge and the welfare of companion animals. They should, as a minimum, hold a first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a related biological/behavioural discipline. As the study will include components of desk-based and remote study, the successful candidate should be a team-player, but also able to work and solve problems independently. A current UK/EU driver’s licence is desirable.
Applications from candidates with the following experience(s) will be especially welcome: A relevant Masters degree; experience of co-authoring peer-reviewed publications; behavioural research with cats; presentation in a scientific forum (e.g. a conference); use of behavioural software (e.g. Observer XT).
Interviews are expected to take place in mid-May, successful candidates can commence in June or October.
1) Why do owners choose indoor lifestyles for their cats and how do they provide for them?
2) How do care provision, breed-type and past experience impact upon the behaviour and adaptability of cats in an indoor environment?
3) How do morphological traits associated with breed (e.g. skull type) impact upon the behaviour and welfare of cats generally and indoor cats specifically?
The successful candidate will be trained in advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and expand their knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare. They will also gain experience of conference presentation, scientific writing and communication with stakeholders.
Applicant criteria:
Applicants should be passionate about both the advancement of scientific knowledge and the welfare of companion animals. They should, as a minimum, hold a first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a related biological/behavioural discipline. As the study will include components of desk-based and remote study, the successful candidate should be a team-player, but also able to work and solve problems independently. A current UK/EU driver’s licence is desirable.
Applications from candidates with the following experience(s) will be especially welcome: A relevant Masters degree; experience of co-authoring peer-reviewed publications; behavioural research with cats; presentation in a scientific forum (e.g. a conference); use of behavioural software (e.g. Observer XT).
Interviews are expected to take place in mid-May, successful candidates can commence in June or October.
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