Grad and PhD positions in Linking cow/calf performance to cow behavior and cattle genomics

Project Title: Linking cow/calf performance to cow behavior (habitat and diet selection) and cattle genomics

Degree Opportunities: PhD Preferred (×3). Applicants at the MSc level also considered.

Timelines: Preferred start date of May 1, 2021, though positions will remain open until filled.

Project Description: We are seeking graduate students to work on a new multi-disciplinary project linking cattle behavior (habitat and diet selection) under open-range grazing conditions, with production performance (weight gain and methane emissions), through the combined application of beef cattle and forage plant genomics. Field work will take place at the Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch, situated 140 km SE of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. At least 3 positions are available, and include the following:

– PhD evaluating seasonal cow/calf production (weight gain and methane emissions) while grazing open rangelands (Aspen Parkland environment).

– PhD evaluating the use of novel technologies (GPS units, pedometers and virtual fencing) to characterize and quantify animal behavior (habitat selection and activity) while grazing, as well as the forage genome using fecal DNA barcoding.

– PhD linking cattle genomics to animal behavior and production/environmental outcomes.

For more information about the program and how to apply, see their info sheet

MS and PhD Student Positions in Precision Livestock and Animal Behavior Program

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky is seeking a motivated graduate student with an interest in calf and heifer management, an interest in ruminant nutrition or an interest in precision livestock management for Spring 2022 (or Fall 2021). The student should have a background in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Biology, Data Science, or Animal Behavior to work at Dr. Costa’s lab. At least some experience with animal agriculture is desired.

To read more about this opportunity, read the info sheet and visit their website.

To express interest or to ask questions please contact: Dr. Joao Costa at costa@uky.edu. Please title the email: Graduate Assistant Position Interest

Extend Your Learning: Minors, Co-op, Honours, Exchange and more for Applied Biology Students

With an overwhelming number of opportunities available to you, how do you choose which ones are right for you? In this info session, we will cover the ins and outs of minors, co-ops honours, and GoGlobal opportunities. You will have a chance to engage with faculty members and APBI students who have taken advantage of these opportunities and have experiences to share.

March 25, 2021 – 4 to 5pm

 

Here are some links and resources that were discussed at the workshop:

Workshop Slides

Go Global Slides

Notes on Co-op:

  • Co-op adds one (1) year to the length of your degree
  • Application Deadline this year for next year: Thursday, October 7, 2021
  • A Co-op work term does not replace, or add academic course credits for that term
  • Once you are approved for co-op, you apply for jobs online through SCOPE (online job portal) OR you can find your own relevant job and get it approved by your Coordinator
  • UBC Co-op fees

Notes on Minors:

  • Completion of the Minor will usually require an additional period of study beyond four years.
  • Minimum of 18 upper-level credits related to your minor (6 of these credits may overlap with credits for your major)
  • Students should design a coherent and academically sound course of studies for their Minor, which must be submitted at the time of application
  • Commerce and kinesiology are competitive minors

Notes on Honours:

  • Must complete a minimum of 132 credits rather than the 123 credits required to graduate with a Sustainable Agriculture and Environment degree.
  • There are grade requirements to remain in the honours stream

Additional Resources:

What to Expect when You’re Seeking Work – Entry Level and Beyond

You’ve honed your skills, perfected your resume and written your cover letter, but what should YOU expect from your future job? The job hunt should be just as much about finding the right fit for you as it is about you being the right fit for your employer. Join us and a panel of professionals working in the field of Applied Biology for a conversation about what to expect from your job and industry.

March 4, 2021 – 4 to 5pm

Here are some of the links that were discussed in our workshop:

Professional Designations:

  • The College of Applied Biology and the BC Institute of Agrologists are two options that may be appropriate for you in APBI and will support you in your career search.  Check them out at https://www.bcia.com/ and https://www.cab-bc.org/.
  • The Areas of Practice within agrology are very broad – these are not limited to traditional “agriculture” fields.

Job Searching / Career Development:

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