Download Center of Excellence for Poultry Science

Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
1260 W. Maple • POSC 0-114 • Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
(479) 575-4952 • FAX (479) 575-3026
Graduate Student Research Assistantship Available
August, 2006
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Funding is available for a graduate student to pursue a doctoral degree beginning in the Fall Semester,
2006. Field of study is Behavioral Physiology with an emphasis in Neuroendocrinology. Interest and experience
in animal behavior and related techniques, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization histochemistry,
molecular biological techniques and radioimmunoassays are desirable. A background in neurobiology and some
training in neurochemical or neuropharmacological techniques would be beneficial. A successful candidate is
expected to join either the Poultry Science Program (recently ranked No 3 in the nation among the best meat and
poultry-related programs) or Interdepartmental Cell and Molecular Biology Program
Research in the lab is focused on the neuroendocrine control of stress and reproduction in poultry. We
study neurohormones and their receptors that impact birds’ reproduction and adaptation to stress. We also study
specialized neurons in the forebrain of chicks that function as putative encephalic photoreceptors and therefore
are responsible for a bird’s response to photoperiod and seasonal events in their annual cycle. The research
program will provide prospective students with a foundation to address issues of importance to the poultry
industry as well as show the value of the domestic chicken as an excellent model in comparative neuroscience
and biomedical research. Our work is funded by grants from NSF, USDA-NRI and the Intracranial
Hypertension Research Foundation.
Our personnel employ a variety of state-of the-art morphological, physiological, molecular and behavioral
techniques. The lab is a part of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science which provides an exciting study
and training environment. The Center hosts also a campus-wide DNA Resource Center, High Performance
Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and Cell Phenotyping Core Laboratory. There are ample opportunities to receive
training in a variety of molecular in vitro and in situ research techniques including real time PCR, nucleotide
sequencing, laser capture microdissection and confocal microscopy with spectral detection. We also have
excellent animal facilities available for behavioral and physiological studies.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, due to an extremely successful fund-raising campaign, offers
competitive Doctoral Academy Fellowships that can supplement the assistantship we are offering to a
prospective student by $10,000. The fellowships are very competitive and are based upon a student’s GPA,
GRE scores and letters of recommendation. For more details see:
http://www.uark.edu/depts/gradinfo/recruit/funding/fellowships.html
Please send curriculum vitae, transcripts of courses taken, GRE scores, names and contact information for
three references and a statement of research interests to Drs. Wayne J. Kuenzel ([email protected]) or
Alexander Jurkevich ([email protected]), Poultry Science Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
72701. For additional information call WJK at (479)575-6112.
The University of Arkansas is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY institution.
Applications will be accepted without regard to age, race, color, creed, sex or national origin.
Applicant must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.