PhD in Epidemiology / Population Medicine on Runting-Stunting Syndrome in Broiler Chickens University of Guelph in Canada

PhD opportunity in Epidemiology / Population Medicine at the University of Guelph

This post advertises a PhD opening in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, under the supervision of Dr. Michele Guerin. The project focuses on Runting-Stunting Syndrome (RSS) in broiler chickens in the Ontario poultry industry, with a field-based epidemiologic approach using bird health, environmental, and questionnaire data to identify risk factors.

The research topic is strongly aligned with epidemiology, population medicine, veterinary science, poultry health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, and environmental data analysis. The student will take a leadership role in a large on-farm observational study, conduct field work, analyze and interpret RSS and performance data, support master’s and undergraduate students, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and knowledge translation activities.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must have a valid G Ontario driver's license (or be eligible to obtain one by the start date) and an MSc in Epidemiology with graduate-level coursework equivalent to the listed UofG epidemiology courses. A DVM degree is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, interest in infectious diseases and poultry health management, applied field research experience, biosecurity knowledge, and experience with poultry euthanasia, postmortem, and tissue collection.

Start date: September 2026. The position is open to domestic and permanent resident applicants.

How to apply: send a single email to Dr. Michele Guerin with a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcript, and full contact information for two references. Use the subject line specified in the post. Applications are reviewed as they are received.