Michigan State University
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Fully Funded PhD in Pain and Welfare During Dry-Off Transition in Dairy Cows Michigan State University in United States
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Funded for 4 years. Estimated total stipend is $141,700 over 4 years, about $35,000-36,000 USD annually subject to adjustments. Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and fringe benefits are provided.
Deadline
Sep 25, 2026
Country
United States
University
Michigan State University
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About this position
Fully funded PhD opportunity at Michigan State University (MSU), College of Veterinary Medicine, in the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (CMIB) Graduate Program, working with the Trindade Lab in East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
The project focuses on pain and welfare during the dry-off transition in dairy cows. The student will study pain measurement during the transition from lactation to the dry period, compare milk cessation strategies, and help develop an automated pain detection system using on-farm sensor data. The research combines animal welfare, dairy science, precision livestock farming, behavioral assessment, physiological biomarkers, and machine learning.
Training includes hands-on work with large animals, specimen collection (blood, hair, and other samples), bench lab assays such as ELISA, behavioral evaluation using manual scoring and sensor-based data, data management and analysis, literature review, participatory engagement research, manuscript preparation, and presentation at scientific meetings. The position is in-person.
Funding is for 4 years and includes an estimated total stipend of $141,700 over the full period, or about $35,000-36,000 USD per year subject to annual adjustments. Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and fringe benefits are provided.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant area such as Dairy Science, Animal Welfare/Applied Ethology, Pain Assessment, Precision Livestock Farming, or Machine Learning is preferred. Experience with dairy cattle or other large animals is desirable, and familiarity with lab bench work is a plus. Some exposure to statistics or programming in R or Python is helpful but not required. Strong analytical and writing skills, communication, teamwork, initiative, independence, and time management are emphasized. International applicants are welcome, but English proficiency is required according to CMIB rules.
Application is rolling, with initial review beginning on 2026-09-25. Apply first through the Qualtrics form with a cover letter, CV, and three references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with Dr. Trindade, and finalists must complete the formal CMIB Graduate Program application at MSU.
Funding details
Funded for 4 years. Estimated total stipend is $141,700 over 4 years, about $35,000-36,000 USD annually subject to adjustments. Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and fringe benefits are provided.
What's required
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Dairy Science, Animal Welfare/Applied Ethology, Pain Assessment, Precision Livestock Farming, Machine Learning, or a related area is preferred. Experience handling dairy cattle or other large animals is desirable. Familiarity with lab bench work is a plus. Some exposure to statistics or programming in R or Python is helpful but not required. Excellent scientific analytical and writing skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively, proactivity, independence, initiative, strong time management, and English proficiency are expected. A US driver's license or ability to obtain one is required.
How to apply
Complete the initial Qualtrics application form and upload a one-page cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references. Selected applicants will then have an informal online interview with Dr. Trindade. Finalists must complete the formal CMIB Graduate Program application at Michigan State University.
More information can be found here
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