Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Medicine - Epidemiology and Swine Welfare Opportunity - Drs. Anne Deckert and Terri O’Sullivan

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

Advisors

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.

Project Overview

We are seeking a motivated and independent PhD student to join our research team examining low confinement 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.

Required Education Level and Background

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
Experience or 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

Previous experience with behavioral 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.

Program Details

Start date: September 2025 (alternate January 2026 start date will be considered for an exceptional candidate)
Funding: Fully funded PhD 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 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 – Low confinement farrowing 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.