Profitable, effective and sustainable environments for dairy cattle; Understanding consumer views on the management and wellbeing of dairy cows

Supervisors
Dr Jasmeet Kaler
Dr K Millar
Prof Martin Green

Background:
The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science undertakes research on key aspects of companion animals and livestock health and production. Research at the School is integrated into the University structure with established world class research in biomedical sciences within the other University Schools. Research undertaken at the School is relevant to both Veterinary Medicine and Science and Comparative and Human Medicine.

Project description:
The project will be based at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham and is part of an exciting, research partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB Dairy).

We would like to invite applications for a 3 year PhD position, funded by the AHDB Dairy, to investigate consumer views of modern dairy production systems. This studentship is one of three AHDB funded PhDs related to dairy cow environments and the studentships fit into a larger, cohesive project. The successful applicant will work within the Dairy Herd Health Group (www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/dairy-herd-health-group/index.aspx) and collaborate closely with the Centre for Applied Bioethics (www.nottingham.ac.uk/bioethics/).

Currently there is debate around housing and management systems for dairy cattle in the UK and Europe. The image of dairy farming is important for consumer confidence and therefore the sustainability and future success of the dairy industry. The aim of this project is to provide deeper insights into consumers’ attitudes on the management and wellbeing of dairy cows and demographic factors that influence this.

The successful applicant will be integrated into a large Dairy Herd Health Group containing an enthusiastic team of internationally recognised researchers and specialist clinicians. The aims of the group are to develop and advance dairy cow health and wellbeing, and to undertake world class research and knowledge transfer to the industry.

The successful candidate will have a drive to understand the complex relationships between consumers and farming, the ability to learn quantitative and qualitative research methods and an enthusiasm to participate actively in public and farmer facing events. Experience in the dairy and/or veterinary sector would be an advantage. Further details are available on request.

Further information and Application: Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree or a minimum of a 2.2 degree in social, animal or veterinary sciences.

The successful applicant will receive a tax free stipend of £15,000pa (with a top up available to veterinary graduates of £6,000 pa). Fees for Home/EU students will be paid.

Candidates should apply online at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx including a cover letter and CV. Queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Postgraduate Admissions Officer, ([Email Address Removed]).
Potential applicants are invited to contact the supervisors, Dr Jasmeet Kaler ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Martin Green ([Email Address Removed]) for further information.

Start Date:
1st January 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Closing date:
10th November 2016

Eligibility for Funding
Restrictions apply to non-EU students.