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

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 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. Michele Guerin. This position is contingent on finalized funding and is open to domestic and permanent resident applicants.

Project Overview

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 from inception to conclusion.

Required Education Level and Background

The ideal candidate will have:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in epidemiology
• 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

In addition, a valid G or G2 Ontario driver’s license is a requirement for this position.

The PhD student will:

• Take a leadership role in a large, on-farm observational study
• Be actively involved in and responsible for:
  • Questionnaire design
  • Preparation of certifications to conduct research (i.e., animal use protocol, research ethics board application for projects involving human participants)
  • 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 postdoctoral fellow 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

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 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.

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 on the application process.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.