Academic Research in Animal Science
If you work in the area of Academic Research in Animal Science, you likely participate in investigations and experimentations including, but not limited to, animal genomics, meat science, food safety, animal physiology, animal endocrinology, and animal biotechnology. As well, fields of research involving behavior embrace those aspects of research in animal science outside of the biology and chemistry component of this subsector. Academic research in animal science is performed with the eventual aim of developing a more in-depth knowledge of a specific field of study. More often, this field is focused on the study of animals for scientific and medical discovery. For example, by studying animals, researchers gain important insight into how a disease works in the body (human and animal).
Students in an animal science program desiring to continue a path to a career in research will need scientific training through hands-on experience and laboratories. As well, advanced study in animal science is much needed preparation for a future in academic research in animal science. No doubt, the route into a successful career in this subsector is via a relevant PhD.
Duties:
- Publish papers in your specialized area.
- Apply expertise and skills to research and project specifications.
- Plan research and collaborate with colleagues.
- Teach and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Attend and/or present at conferences.
- Carry out original, high-level individual and collaborative research with other team members.
- Analyse data and information, drawing relevant conclusions.
- Work to deadlines as required by fund or grant holder.
- Undertake thorough and comprehensive literature reviews.
- Comply with all health and safety and ethics requirements for research activities.
Outlook
Median Wage: approximately $37,000 - $55,000 annually
Universities are the main employers of academic researchers in animal science. In many instances, after the completion of a PhD, individuals continue as a Post Doctorate Research Assistant.
For more information
- International Council for Laboratory Animal Science
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Animal Research Info
- American Dairy Science Association
- American Feed Industry Association
- American Meat Science Association
- Animal Health Institute
- American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
- American Association of Avian Pathologists
- American Society of Animal Science
- Animal Behavior Society
- Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
- Equine Science Society
- International Society for Applied Ethology
Publications
- Harvard Magazine – Animal Research (from the archives)
- Journal of Animal Science
- Frontiers in Animal Science (Journals)
- Science Magazine – Animal World
- Translational Animal Science
- Animal Frontiers
- World Wildlife Magazine
- Live Science - Animals (Science News, Trending articles)
- Animal Cognition – Springer Journal
Academic Programs
To find an institution of higher education that offers a program relative to your career aspirations in Academic Research Animal Science, the easiest place to start for most people is to perform a simple search by area of interest. Overall, there are associate, bachelor, and advanced degree programs in public and private postsecondary colleges and universities across the country in the following areas:
- Animal Science
- Animal Genetics
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Animal Biology
- Agricultural Animal Breeding
- Animal Health
- Animal Nutrition
- Research and Experimental Psychology
As well, an advanced degree with experiences in the following aspects of research:
- Research and Quantitative Methods
- Analytical Research
- Persuasive Research
- Systematic Application Expertise
Use the link provided below and the ‘Browse for Program’ button to search by program area: