Graduate Opportunities
MSc STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP – Ethology
The Prairie Swine Centre, a non-profit corporation affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan and located near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, has an opening for graduate studies in swine ethology (animal behaviour) and welfare at the MSc. level. This project will explore the effects of transportation on weaned piglets, in particular the effects on newer trailer designs on transported pigs.
Successful applicants will have an undergraduate degree in animal science or a related discipline. Students will be enrolled at the College of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Saskatchewan. The successful applicant will have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to conduct data collection and contribute effectively as a member of the research team. Competitive financial assistance is available in the form of a stipend (Graduate Research Assistantship).
The Prairie Swine Centre represents a unique approach to research and technology transfer, maintaining a strong focus on applied research related to the pork industry, while emphasising academic quality. Active in research, education and technology transfer, the Centre operates a 350 sow farrow-to-finish commercial research herd with extensive surgery, metabolism and intensive research facilities (see www.prairieswine.com for more information). The Ethology research team is part of a broader research program at the Centre that includes research in swine nutrition and engineering.
Download pdf version of this posting: MSc student advert-Weaner Transport
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jennifer Brown
Prairie Swine Centre
Box 21057, 2105-8th Street East
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5N9
Tel: 1-306-667-7442
Fax: 1-306-955-2510
Email:Jennifer Brown
MSc or PhD Opportunity in Swine Nutrition – Dietary nitrogen and amino acid utilization
The Prairie Swine Centre is seeking a passionate, bright, and highly motivated individual interested in pursuing graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in the disciplines of swine nutrition and metabolism, program to start in May 2020 (negotiable). The successful candidate will join a strong, multidisciplinary academic and research team with expertise in non-ruminant nutrition, feed processing, management, welfare, metabolism, and physiology.
The proposed project will seek to examine the impact of dietary nitrogen on metabolism and utilization of nitrogen and essential amino acids for growth. Both classical swine nutrition (growth performance) and advanced (nutrient utilization) techniques will be employed.
Qualifications: The desire and ability to lead research projects and work within a team of other highly motivated individuals are of critical importance to these positions. A vehicle and driver’s licence is required.
MSc level: Candidates must have, or will complete, a BSc in related discplines such as animal science, animal physiology, nutrition, or veterinary science. Previous experience with livestock, especially swine, will be considered an asset.
PhD level: Candidates must have or will have completed, an MSc in a related discipline such as animal science, animal physiology, nutrition, or veterinary science. Previous experience with livestock, especially swine, is required. A track record of peer-reviewed publications will be considered an asset.
Positions are contingent on acceptance into the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Saskatchewan (www.usak.ca/cgps). Screening of applications will continue until the positions are filled.
Prairie Swine Centre Inc. (www.prairieswine.com) is a non-profit swine production research corporation affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan, and located 10 km southeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It offers a nationally and internationally recognized program in research, technology transfer, and education all directed towards the efficiency and sustainability of pork production. The Centre operates a 300 sow farrow-to-finish research herd and currently employs approximately 20 full and part-time staff and students.
The University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca) is located in Saskatoon, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The Department of Animal and Poultry Science is well-recognized nationally and internationally as a research-intensive department that offers advanced training in MSc and PhD degree programs. The department’s highly-trained and enthusiastic faculty members and adjunct professors have extensive, high-quality applied and basic research programs that cover a wide range of topics in animal science and related areas.
Download a pdf version of this application here.
For more information or to apply please contact Dr. Dan Columbus. Interested candidates are asked to apply by sending a cover letter including their career interests, their curriculum vitae, and copies of transcripts to:
Dr. Dan Columbus
Prairie Swine Centre
Box 21057, 2105-8th Street East
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5N9
Tel: 1-306-667-7432
Fax: 1-306-955-2510
Email: dan.columbus@usask.ca
Production & Management Opportunities
Research Technician 1
Prairie Swine Centre Inc. (www.prairieswine.com) is a non-profit swine production research corporation affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan, and located 10 km southeast of Saskatoon, SK. We offer a nationally and internationally recognized program in research, knowledge transfer, and education all directed towards the efficiency and sustainability of pork production. The Centre operates a 300 sow farrow-to-finish research herd and currently employs approximately 22 full and part-time staff and students.Prairie Swine Centre currently has an opening for a Research Technician. As a member of a research team, this position is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day activities necessary for the successful implementation of swine research projects. Duties include but are not limited to weighing of animals, feeding experimental diets, blood and saliva collection, collection of other types of data, data entry and verification, and general care of animals. The successful candidate will work independently with direct support from the supervisor, and as a member of a team to accomplish the research goals. Comfort in working with large animals is essential.
This position involves collaboration and communication with research scientists, research technicians and production staff, students and visitors, with strong emphasis on factual and accurate information exchange.
The successful applicant will be provided on-the-job training to develop job-specific knowledge and skills; coaching and mentoring from more experienced staff; and opportunities to improve their technical research skills and assume greater responsibility through initiative, self-motivation, and personal development. The on-going development of team skills is also provided, with emphasis on supporting others in their work.
Qualifications and skills required for the position:
- Post-secondary education in a relevant program (animal sciences, veterinary technology, etc).
- Computer competence in MS Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to contribute effectively to a team of other highly motivated individuals.
- Self-motivated, detail orientated, and enjoys working with animals.
- Able to perform physically demanding work and to learn the specifics of their assigned roles.
- A vehicle and driver’s licence is required.
Relevant work experience would be an asset, but is not required.
This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of extension depending on additional funding. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume and three references by email to Sherry Wailing at prw139@mail.usask.ca. The application deadline is March 6, 2020.
Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.