Fully-funded MSc position studying the behaviour of domestic cats and their impacts on wildlife

Fully-funded MSc Position studying the behaviour of domestic cats and their impacts on wildlife

Ryan Norris and Elizabeth Gow (University of Guelph) are seeking a graduate student to join their research team beginning May 2020

Project description: Working closely with a variety of partners and researchers (veterinarians, ecologists, and non-government), the student will use a novel camera technology, the Catcam, to get a domestic cat’s eye-view of the world and quantify their behaviour.

The student has the opportunity to create a project suited to their inter- ests that examines one or a variety of different domestic cat behaviours, including but not limited to risk taking or hunting behaviours, habitat selection and use, or disease transmission. The results of this research has the potential to help inform cat management strategies and policies. The student may participate in the One Health graduate program (https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/programs/onehealth).

Minimal qualifications: Completion of an undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Veterinary Sciences, Wildlife Management or another related field. Driver’s licence.

Desired qualifications: Experience using GIS and R. Experience conducting animal behaviour studies in the field would be considered an asset. Eligibility for a NSERC Scholarship is favourable, but not manda- tory. Students will be working with cat owners. The ability to manage, schedule and communicate with a diversity of people is highly beneficial.

Location: This research will take place throughout the year at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. The student will be co- supervised by Dr. Ryan Norris (www.norrislab.ca) and Liber Ero Fellow Dr. Elizabeth Gow (www.elizabethgow.com).

Timeline: The ideal candidate would start as field technician May 1, 2020 with an official MSc start date of September 1, 2020. Please submit your unofficial transcript, cover letter and contact information for two references that can comment on your research potential, writing and statistical skills to: rnorris@uoguelph.ca and egow@uoguelph.ca by Feb 15, 2020.