PhD student in Animal science, ethology

Animal Environment and Health in Ultuna 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Animal science, ethology The role of positive affect in the regulation of behaviour of chickens. Although we do not yet have any scientific way of directly determining animals' feelings, the homology of brain structures and processes between vertebrates strongly suggests that vertebrate animals (like humans) have emotional or affective states which may well be consciously experienced.These states are presumed to have adaptive value (increase fitness) and to support the regulation of different behavioural and physiological systems.Positive and negative affective states possibly relate to at least two separate processes aimed at solving different types of motivational problem and thus may have quite different causes and functions.This project will focus on positive affective states that may play a role in guiding behaviour to acquire resources that are essential for survival.The project will address the measurement of positive emotions and their role in guiding the animal's behaviour in appetitive, consummatory and post-consummatory situations.The study will focus on foraging and feeding behaviour in chickens.The work is part of collaboration between SLU, the University of Bristol (UK) and several other institutions.The successful applicant must be prepared to work for a period of time in the UK. Qualifications: A biology, psychology, agricultural or veterinary undergraduate degree and demonstrable knowledge and experience in ethology.Form for funding or employment: Phd student position SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level.Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e.had completed a programme of higher education for at least 120 credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Applications, marked with ref no 3932/07, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.