Posted July 2024:
A comprehensive study of sow mortality to assess trends and to identify risk factors in Ontario herds
A PhD opportunity is available in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph under the supervision of Dr. Terri O’Sullivan, Dr. Zvonimir Poljak, and Anne Deckert. This is a funded position available to domestic or permanent resident applicants only.
Description: This is a full-time graduate student position at the University of Guelph supported by different industry partners and provincial funding. The successful applicant will receive training and experience using advanced quantitative and qualitative epidemiological methods to investigate trends, predictors, and risk factors associated with sow mortality on Ontario sow farms. The quantitative component will center around training and validation of interpretable predictive models for the mortality risk in sows and time to the event. The qualitative research approaches will seek to understand the perspectives of industry stakeholders (veterinarians and producers) on the key issues associated with sow mortality and to gain insight into their lived challenges and experiences with the issue.
Student Qualifications: The successful candidate will have strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to work independently and part of a team, and a keen interest in epidemiology, quantitative and qualitative approaches and knowledge translation. Previous research experience, including experience in both the natural sciences and social sciences, is considered an asset. Experience in the swine industry and/or related food-animal production industries is also considered an asset. Applicants must meet the academic standards for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph (see resources below). Selection of the successful candidate will be based on a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, career goals, and referee assessments.
Application Process: Please submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, an unofficial transcript, and contact information for two references to Dr. O’Sullivan (tosulliv@uoguelph.ca) and Dr. Zvonimir Poljak (zpoljak@uoguelph.ca). Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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.
Further inquiries related to this position can be directed to Dr. O’Sullivan. Additional information about graduate studies can be found in the Department of Population Medicine (see resources below).
Resources:
To find more information about graduate and post-doctoral studies at UofG, follow the link below: https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/programs/popmed
To find more information about applying to graduate studies at UofG, follow the link below: https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/future/applying-guelph
