Masters in Research (MRes), University of Nottingham

Reference : MED972
Closing Date : Open until filled

Calcium management in transition dairy cows

Supervisors: Dr Nigel Kendall (School of Veterinary Medicine & Science), Chris Hudson (School of Veterinary Medicine & Science), Rachel Fowers (Nutreco)

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham is the first brand new, purpose-built veterinary school in the UK for over 50 years and it is our intent to make significant leading contributions to both veterinary research and teaching within the context of valid relevance and application to the wider veterinary profession.

Research is central to the activities of the School, both in terms of maintaining ourselves at the forefront of national and international efforts in veterinary medicine but also as an integral part of the training and education for undergraduate and postgraduate students.  In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science joint submission with the School of Biosciences was ranked first in the country for the power of its research with 95% of its activities classified at an international standard.

We are looking for a motivated, high calibre graduate with an interest in mineral metabolism and or management of dairy cows in the transition period.  The project will investigate the use of calcium sequestering in dry cow management under various situations applicable to UK dairy farms. This project is in collaboration with Nutreco. The student will be able to experience research working within Nutreco’s research facilities in Europe.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor Dr Nigel Kendall, email: Nigel.Kendall@nottingham.ac.uk

The studentship will be initially a Masters in Research (MRes) but has the potential to become a PhD studentship subject to continued funding and satisfactory student progress.

The student will need to be able to work independently but still be part of the team.  It will be essential that the student can communicate to commercial dairy farmers and take control of the day-to-day trial management on-farm.  A background of veterinary science or animal science would be advantageous, but applications are welcome from students from related disciplines. A minimum 2.1 degree classification or equivalent is required.

The studentship is available from 1 October 2011 and is funded by an augmented tax-exempt stipend of £13,590pa for one year initially with potential for continuation into PhD dependent on funding and progress to a maximum of three years. There are potential funding restrictions for non- EU students.

Students should apply online via: https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk and include a CV. Any queries relating to the application process should be addressed to Helena Percival, Postgraduate Admissions Officer, email: postgrad-vet@nottingham.ac.uk. The studentship will be filled when suitable candidates have been identified. Early application is strongly encouraged.