The residency in Animal Welfare is a three-year program aimed at developing a knowledge base in animal welfare in a broad variety of species under varied conditions. The training is designed specifically to fulfill the requirements for Board qualification set forth by the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW), which may be reviewed at the ACAW website. The Animal Welfare residency program at the University of Pennsylvania will provide the resident with welfare experience and coursework in a broad variety of species. In the first year of the training program, the resident will participate in the Certificate in Animal Welfare and Behavior, a foundational learning experience designed to generate a broad base of knowledge in animal welfare and human-animal interactions across a range of species. In the second year of the program, the resident will be expected to participate in the Master’s coursework in a specific track designed to meet the requirements for credentialing for the ACAW. At the satisfactory fulfillment of the coursework and a capstone project, the resident will receive a Master’s degree in Animal Welfare and Behavior.
The resident will be expected to execute a field-based research project assessing risk factors for lameness in finishing pigs. This project will meet the requirements set forth for the Master’s degree capstone project and is anticipated to generate data for publications that will meet the requirements designated by ACAW (http://www.acaw.org). Risk factors for lameness in growing swine are poorly understood. Studies have documented marked variation in levels of lameness, and a tentative association between Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and lameness has been suggested. There is need to explore other risk factors, including those that are related to the sow farm, the grow-finish farm, antimicrobial use, nutritional factors, and the presence of M. hyosynoviae on the farm.
Residents in Animal Welfare at Penn Vet will have access to a variety of centers in which to gain experience, including the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Penn Vet Behavior Service, Marshak Dairy, New Bolton Center Swine Teaching and Research Center, and the Semi-feral pony herd. Ongoing off-campus experiences will be set up for each resident based on interests.
Guidance in grantsmanship, leadership development, and educator training will also be provided. All residents will be reviewed annually by their residency mentor, with continuation based upon satisfactory progress.
Requirements:
- VMD/DVM or equivalent degree
- Eligibility for veterinary licensure and accreditation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Demonstrated interest in animal welfare
- Food animal experience/interest is preferred
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States of America, Canada or Mexico or have permanent residency status in the USA.
To Apply:
The position will be available July 1, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the appropriate candidate is identified. Interested graduate veterinarians should submit a current curriculum vitae, academic transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a personal letter of introduction and intent to: Mrs. Cheryl O’Sullivan (cherylo@vet.upenn.edu).
Further questions can be addressed to Dr. Meghann Pierdon, Assistant Professor of Clinical Production Medicine, via email (mpierdon@vet.upenn.edu).
Additional information about this position can be found at: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/center/swine-teaching-research-center
COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the University. For more information about Penn’s vaccine requirements and the use of Penn Open Pass, visit the Penn COVID-19 Response website for the latest information.
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities/Women/Individuals with disabilities/Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.