Thesis-based Master of Science (MSc) in Population Medicine - CIPARS AMU Project - Dr. Anne Deckert

Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph

Advisor

An MSc opportunity, starting in September 2025, is available in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College under the supervision of Dr. Anne Deckert. This is a fully funded position available to domestic or permanent resident applications only.

Project Overview

An exciting opportunity is available for a motivated MSc student to join a collaborative research project aimed at understanding the associations between antimicrobial use, health status, and other herd factors in Canadian finisher pigs. This research will utilize surveillance data from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS). The project is based at the University of Guelph in collaboration with leading industry and government partners.

The Canadian swine industry recognizes the importance of continual improvement in antimicrobial stewardship. This MSc project will inform stewardship initiatives through the analysis of trends and associations at the farm-level using multiple quantitative epidemiologic approaches.

Required Education Level and Background

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, quantitative analysis, food-animal production, and knowledge translation. Previous research experience, including experience in both data analysis and the natural sciences, is considered an asset, but not required.

The student will:

Receive training on advanced quantitative analysis techniques
Conduct multiple analyses on a large, national, 15-year dataset from the CIPARS program
Participate in team-based efforts to co-develop knowledge translation tools for producers and the CIPARS program

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.

Program Details

Start date: September 2025
Funding: Fully funded MSc position. Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only.
Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Open until filled.

Application

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 Amezuca, Project Manager (mamezcua@uoguelph.ca)
Please cc Dr. Deckert (adeckert@uoguelph.ca)
Email subject line: MSC application – CIPARS AMU project
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Visit the Department of Population Medicine website to find more information about our graduate and post-doctoral studies.

Visit the Graduate Studies at UofG website for additional information.

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.