M.S. or Ph.D. Student Opportunity
Mastitis Epidemiology and Microbial Ecology
Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences or Plant and Soil Science
The Departments of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Plant and Soil Science at the University of
Vermont are seeking an individual interested in graduate study at either the M.S. or Ph.D. level in the
area of Dairy Cattle Mastitis Epidemiology and Dairy Farm Bedding Microbial Ecology. We are looking for
a highly motivated student to work within the research and extension project “Bedding strategies that
promote udder health and milk quality by fostering a beneficial microbiome on organic dairy farms”
funded by the USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI). This transdisciplinary 3 year
project is a collaboration between the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, the Department of Plant and Soil Science, and UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Desired start date is January 1, 2019.
Candidates should have excellent academic records with a background(s) in animal science, microbial ecology or soil ecology, epidemiology, molecular/cellular biology, veterinary science and/or a related field. Candidates must be highly self-motivated and have a good work ethic. Prior research experience in field and/or laboratory work is highly desirable. Experience working with dairy cattle or on dairy farms is desirable. An interest in metagenomic or molecular approaches to studies of microbial ecology and/or infectious di
sease epidemiology is necessary. Prior experience in either of these areas in desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
The graduate student will be supported by research and teaching assistantships which include a 12
month stipend, tuition scholarships and health care coverage. For international students, a minimum of TOEFL score of 100 (of 120) is required. Interested candidates should contact John Barlow DVM PhD at john.barlow@uvm.edu or Deborah Neher PhD at dneher@uvm.edu. Application is through the University of Vermont Graduate College, and further information can be found at
https://www.uvm.edu/graduate/prospective_student_resources. All applicants are required to submit a
statement of purpose, academic transcripts, GRE scores, curriculum vitae, and email addresses for three people who will provide letters of recommendation. Complete application instructions can be found at https://www.uvm.edu/graduate/application_instructions.
Founded in 1791, UVM is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the USA. The
University is located in Burlington, Vermont, also rated as one of the best small cities in America. The greater Burlington area has a population of about 125,000 and enjoys a panoramic setting on the shores of Lake Champlain, between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Burlington and the surrounding area provide an environment rich in cultural and recreational activities for individuals and families, with multiple opportunities for interactions with local industry and communities. The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
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