Posted June 23, 2025:
Evaluating free-farrowing systems: Impacts on sow and piglet welfare, mortality, and productivity
A PhD opportunity is anticipated to begin in September 2025 (alternate January 2026 start date will be considered for an exceptional candidate), in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, under the supervision of Dr. Terri O’Sullivan and Dr. Anne Deckert. This position is contingent on finalized funding and is open to domestic and permanent resident applicants.
DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking a motivated and independent PhD student to join our research team examining free-farrowing housing configurations in the Canadian swine industry. This project addresses key gaps in understanding the effects of alternative farrowing accommodations on sow welfare, piglet mortality, and long-term performance outcomes. This project will use a combination of on-farm trials, video-based behavioural assessments, and production and performance data to generate evidence relevant to Canadian conditions.
STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will have:
- A master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in epidemiology, animal science, veterinary medicine, or a related field
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Interest in animal welfare, applied field research, and swine production systems
- A willingness to engage in on-farm data collection and work collaboratively across academic and industry teams
- Ontario G drivers license is an asset
Previous experience with behavioural observation, statistical analysis, or swine management is an asset but not required.
The student will:
- Be actively involved and responsible for a large on-farm trial collecting data at the state of the art Ontario Swine Research Centre to compare sow farrowing housing configurations
- Participate in behavioural scoring and welfare assessments using video data
- Analyze and interpret performance and mortality data
- Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and knowledge mobilization efforts
Applicants must meet the academic standards for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph. Selection will be based on academic excellence, relevant experience, career goals, and referee assessments.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please submit the following documents in a single email:
- A 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 Amezcua, Project Manager: mamezcua@uoguelph.ca
Please cc: Dr. O’Sullivan (tosulliv@uoguelph.ca) and Dr. Deckert (adeckert@uoguelph.ca)
Email subject line: PhD Application – Free-farrowing 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.
To find more information about graduate and post-doctoral studies in the Department of Population Medicine 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
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
