A graduate research assistantship (MS or PhD in Animal Science/Sustainable Ag.) is available to study the agroecology of pasture-based dairy systems. We are seeking to attract a highly motivated and creative individual interested in interdisciplinary research dealing with the sustainability of pasture-based dairy systems. The main focus of the project is the evaluation of the whole-system performance of dairy operations. The project combines automatic milking systems (AMS) with contrasting animal feeding strategies, pasture input levels, stocking rates, and cows to AMS ratios. Specific project opportunities are available in the areas of: 1) dairy systems and AMS performance, 2) foraging behavior of dairy cattle and pasture utilization in AMS 3) Pasture management and plant community ecology, 4) Grazing management and ecosystem processes and services.
This assistantship is based at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). KBS hosts several programs on the ecology and management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including the Long-Term Ecological Research row-cropping system site, the biofuel research center, and the recently established pasture-based and robotic milking dairy (www.kbs.msu.edu). The KBS dairy consists of 120 registered Holsteins that are milked year around with AMS. In combination with AMS, cows are grazed on irrigated grass legume pastures during the growing season and housed in a free-stall barn during the remainder of the year. Applicants must have earned a BS or MS degree in animal science, agriculture, natural resources or related discipline with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Outstanding writing skills and proven experience with scientific methods and research techniques for pasture and animal grazing studies are highly recommended. The assistantship includes annual salary stipend ($ 22,000), tuition and fees, and health insurance benefits. Interested applicants are encouraged to send: 1) a letter of starting interests and goals; 2) a current CV; 3) unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores (if available); 4) contact information for 3 references. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2010 or until a suitable candidate is found. Please send application materials via email to Dr. Santiago Utsumi (uts...@msu.edu) or by mail to S. Utsumi, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060.
