Posted June 20, 2025:
Investigating risk factors and exploring insights from the Ontario swine industry on sow longevity
A MSc opportunity, starting in September 2025, is available in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College under the supervision of Dr. Anne Deckert and Dr. Terri O’Sullivan. This is a fully funded position available to domestic or permanent resident applications only.
DESCRIPTION: An exciting opportunity is available for a motivated MSc student to join a collaborative, mixed-methods research project aimed at understanding sow livability in Canadian commercial swine herds. This project is based at the University of Guelph in collaboration with leading industry and government partners.
Despite advances in genetics, housing, and herd management, many Canadian swine herds continue to see increasing sow removal rates. This MSc project will contribute to identifying and addressing risk factors related to sow livability through both qualitative and quantitative epidemiologic approaches.
STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will have strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a keen interest in epidemiology, mixed-methods approaches, food-animal production, and knowledge translation. Previous research experience, including experience in both the natural sciences and social sciences, is considered an asset, but not required.
The student will:
- Conduct key informant interviews with producers, veterinarians, and other industry experts to explore perceptions and challenges related to sow removal decisions
- Receive qualitative research training, including interview design, coding and analysis
- Receive training on and work with a large retrospective data set on Canadian sow records
- Participate in team-based efforts to co-develop knowledge translation tools for producers and practitioners
Applicants must meet the academic standards for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph. Selection of the successful candidate will be based on a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, career goals, and referee assessments.
APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, please submit the following documents in a single email.
- Letter of interest outlining your motivation and relevant experience
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- An unofficial transcript
- Full contact information for two academic or professional references
Send your application to:
Maria Amezuca, Project Manager (mamezcua@uoguelph.ca)
Please cc Dr. Deckert (adeckert@uoguelph.ca) and Dr. O’Sullivan (tosulliv@uoguelph.ca)
Email subject line: MSC application – sow livability project
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Further inquiries related to this position can be directed to Maria Amezcua.
To find more information about graduate and post-doctoral studies at UofG, follow the link https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/programs/popmed
To find more information about applying to graduate studies at UofG, follow the link https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/future/applying-guelph
