Cat Behavior and Welfare PhD x2
Link Lab, University of Rhode Island, USA
The Link Lab in the Department of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Rhode Island is recruiting 2 PhD students for Fall 2027. Our research focuses primarily on the behavior and welfare of companion cats currently housed in the shelter environment. We endeavor to answer research questions surrounding ideal housing and management of shelter cats, as well as finding ways to reduce overall length of stay in the shelter.
Students should be capable of engaging in community outreach and frequent conversations with local shelters or sheltering organizations and should be independently motivated to pursue research questions relevant to the care of shelter cats. Students would receive their degree through the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program.
The ideal candidate would currently hold, or hold at the time of Fall 2027, a master’s degree in applied Ethology/Animal Behavior, Animal Welfare, Psychology, Animal Science, or related field.
Experience working closely with cats in a shelter or kennel setting, as well as expertise in experimental design and statistical analysis is preferred.
If interested, please send a CV and Cover letter to Dr. Jennifer Link (). | 
