Position Description:

The PhD Research Assistantship in the Fraley Lab at Purdue University focuses on poultry behavior and welfare. This role will primarily study the epigenetic effects of heat stress on breeder ducks and broiler breeders, examining impacts on offspring fear and stress responses. The project includes studying the behavioral and neurobiological effects of cyclic heat stress, with emphasis on specific behaviors and the septo-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It will explore extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis and assess DNA methylation and other genetic markers related to heat stress effects passed to future generations. The candidate will also assist with secondary research studies and support other lab projects.

Qualifications:

• M.S. in Poultry/Animal Science, Neurobiology, Psychology, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in poultry welfare research
• Experience with behavioral and physiological lab techniques
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across labs and institutions

Research Topics/Area:

Focus areas include poultry behavior, welfare, epigenetic effects of heat stress on breeder ducks and broiler breeders, neurobiological responses to cyclic heat stress, and genetic markers impacting future generations.

Project Details:

The funded project involves studying cyclic heat stress effects on behaviors and neurobiological processes related to the septo-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Additional aspects include investigating extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis and DNA methylation markers. The candidate will contribute to the collaborative research in Dr. Shawna Weimer’s lab at the University of Arkansas on similar studies with broiler breeders, which involves cognitive bias testing, physiological assays, and applying Fraley lab neuroendocrine protocols to broiler breeder projects. This cross-lab experience will provide interdisciplinary expertise in welfare, behavior, neurobiology, and genetics.

Funding:

The assistantship position is funded.

Apply:

Interested individuals should review application materials at Purdue’s Graduate School Admissions and contact Dr. Greg Fraley at gfraley@purdue.edu for further inquiries.

About PI/Dr./Professor:

Dr. Greg Fraley leads the Fraley Lab, focusing on poultry behavior and welfare research. Dr. Shawna Weimer, Director of the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing at the University of Arkansas, collaborates on related studies.

Application Deadline:

May 1, 2025

About University:

Purdue University’s Animal Sciences Department is renowned for its cutting-edge research in animal welfare, behavioral science, and genetics, providing a robust environment for graduate research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

About the Location:

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University offers a vibrant academic community with resources conducive to animal sciences research, close to rural research sites, and a collaborative academic environment.