Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Medicine - Epidemiology - Dr. Michele Guerin

PhD in Epidemiology Opportunity (Posted May 2026)

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

Advisors

Dr. Michele Guerin

Runting-stunting in broilers: Effect of downtime, brooding management, air quality and infectious diseases

A PhD opportunity is anticipated to begin in September 2026 in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, under the supervision of Dr. Michele Guerin. This position is open to domestic and permanent resident applicants.

Project Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent PhD student to join our research team examining Runting-Stunting Syndrome (RSS) in broiler chickens in the Ontario poultry industry. This project addresses the problem of small, runted broiler chickens (i.e., chickens raised to 32-48 days of age for meat), which has been identified as an emerging disease issue of great concern because of its impact on bird welfare and production loss. This field-based project will utilize bird health, environmental, and questionnaire data to identify risk factors for the development of this syndrome. Through participation in this project, the PhD student will develop the skills necessary to independently conduct field-based epidemiologic research in the livestock sector.

Student Qualifications

Mandatory requirements:

• Possess a valid G Ontario driver's license, or meet the requirements to get a full G license by your program start date (exchange an out of province driver's license).
• Have an MSc in Epidemiology, with completed graduate-level courses in general and analytic epidemiology equivalent to UofG courses POPM*6200 Epidemiology I and POPM*6210 Epidemiology II (2026-2027 Academic Calendar - Population Medicine Courses).

Do not apply for this position if you do not possess the mandatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree (preferred, but not required)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Strong interest in infectious diseases and poultry health management
• Experience in applied field research, including an understanding of the principles of biosecurity
• Experience with poultry euthanasia, postmortem, and tissue collection techniques
• Experience working collaboratively with industry, academic, and government partners

The PhD student will:

• Take a leadership role in a large, on-farm observational study
• Be actively involved in and responsible for:
  • All field work, including organizing farm visits, conducting chick health assessments, selecting and euthanizing birds, collecting tissue samples and accurately submitting them to various sections of the Animal Health Laboratory, administering the management/ biosecurity questionnaire, downloading air quality data from barn sensors/ loggers and uploading it to a master spreadsheet, collecting performance data, and maintaining cleanliness of the research vehicle and equipment to prevent farm-to-farm disease transmission
• Analyze and interpret the RSS and performance data
• Support the master’s and undergraduate students during field data collection and data analyses
• Work closely with the project's research assistant/technician to manage and link the questionnaire, environmental, and laboratory data
• Participate in biosecurity training by the company veterinarians
• Communicate with partner organizations regarding the preferred content and format of receiving research results
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and other knowledge translation and transfer activities related to the RSS and performance objectives, including research reports

Application Process

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.

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:

Dr. Michele Guerin, Principal Investigator: mguerin@uoguelph.ca

Email subject line: PhD Application - Runting-Stunting project - Surname

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.

Find out more information about graduate and post-doctoral studies in the Department of Population Medicine at UofG on the Department of Population Medicine website.

Visit the Graduate Studies at UofG website to find more information about applying to graduate studies at UofG.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received under the email subject line. We appreciate the time and effort you invested in your application and the opportunity to learn more about your qualifications and experience. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.