As part of a collaborative project between Utrecht University (UU) and the Dutch Police, we seek an enthusiastic candidate for a PhD position within the field of biometric data use to simultaneously improve detection performance and welfare in police dogs. This position is within the project ‘Individual profiling of detection dogs’.  
A more efficient usage of a detection dog’s functional qualities and behavioural needs, thus taking welfare and performance into consideration, will add to community safety as provided by the Dutch police.

The goals of the PhD project are threefold:

1. to define detection dog performance criteria;
2. to develop and validate methods allowing for individual behavioural profiling of 'good’ detection dogs, and
3. to investigate the possible relationship between detection quality and lateralization as a possible additional measure for detection quality. Dogs better applied to their functions may guarantee better welfare.

You will make use of a variety of techniques (partly to be developed) for instance to gain insight into individual coping styles, stress responses, physical, mental and social needs. Furthermore, you need to master the development, implementation and analysis of questionnaires (Delphi technique) as a start of the project. The planned start of the project is 15 December 2020.

The findings of the PhD project will be published in peer-reviewed journals and you will present your work in the department and at international conferences. You will be responsible for the daily supervision of students participating in the project.
As this PhD position is part of a bigger collaborative project between Utrecht University and the Dutch Police, you will closely collaborate with at least one other PhD candidate (to be recruited).

• an MSc degree in ethology, veterinary sciences or equivalent;
• a highly motivated curiosity-driven and creative individual with a passion for animal (dog) behaviour;
• experience with behavioural techniques and a profound knowledge of statistics. Please specifically describe your experience and motivation in your cover letter;
• willingness to travel;
• very good Dutch communication skills;
• proficiency in English, both spoken and written;
• high technical affinity and analytical skills;
• demonstrable organisational skills, perseverance and an independent, pro-active working style;
• a strong motivation to (learn how to) communicate your research in journal papers and international conferences;
• a keen interest in the outreach of your work outside the academic setting (e.g. through meetings with our collaboration partner);
• an enthusiastic mindset as a team player;
• the willingness to look beyond the borders of your own discipline and a strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary team.

We offer a position (1.0 FTE), initially for a period of four years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,395 and €3,061 (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

 

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, but it is also where Researchers are working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

The Animal Behaviour group is part of the division Animals in Science and Society in the Department of Population Health Sciences of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.