Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Medicine – Public Health or Epidemiology

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

Project title:

Development and implementation of community-based climate-adaptive strategies for the enhanced co-management of rabies in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories

Advisor: Dr. Lauren Grant

Co-Advisor: Dr. Juliette Di Francesco, Université de Montréal

Project Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to contribute to a collaborative project to establish community-led rabies co-management in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories as a proactive adaptation response to climate change and its anticipated impacts on the risk of rabies. This initiative will investigate the social, cultural, economic, and regulatory barriers that hinder effective rabies co-management, including rabies incident reporting and delivery and uptake of dog rabies vaccinations. The project will build on existing successful system approaches for rabies co-management and will collaboratively develop community-based, culturally acceptable, and relevant community-driven solutions for rabies reporting and prevention that meet needs defined by communities. The project will include a Community Vaccinator Training and Certification Program, community- and school-based educational materials on climate change and rabies, and a set of community-based indicators to monitor the changing risk of rabies in the Beaufort Delta region.

This opportunity is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students. Prospective students who are Indigenous, have experience working with Indigenous communities in Northern Canada, and/or hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will gain experience in community-based participatory research in the Northwest Territories and will build expertise in multiple methods, data collection and analysis, knowledge mobilization, collaboration, and partner engagement. The successful candidate must be able to travel to and complete several short-term stays in the Northwest Territories (~3 weeks per stay).

This opportunity is one of three PhD positions related to this collaborative project. Two other PhD positions will be held at the Université de Montréal. Students will work closely together and with the Research Team, including Dr. Naima Jutha (Territorial Wildlife Veterinarian and Chief Veterinary Officer, GNWT), Chirag Rohit (Chief Environmental Health Officer, GNWT), and Christopher Paci (Aurora College), as well as with community partners throughout the project.

Program Details:

• Start Date: January 2026.
• Funding: This is a funded position at a minimum rate of $35,000 per year for three years (nine semesters). Students are encouraged to apply for internal and external scholarships to supplement this funding.
• Application Deadline: Open until filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions encouraged.
• Location: Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.

Required Education Level and Background:

• A completed master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in climate change and/or zoonotic diseases
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural sensitivity and awareness, especially as it relates to Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and active license to practice veterinary medicine in a Canadian province or territory is a strong asset.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• Strong knowledge mobilization skills using multiple formats.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt.
• Ability to travel and work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a remote environment.

Application:

Prospective students are invited to submit the following:

• A brief statement of interest outlining your relevant personal and research background, interests, motivation, and experiences as it relates to the project description (max 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae or résumé.
• Academic transcripts (unofficial or official).
• Contact information for at least two references of which at least one must be an academic reference. The second reference can be an academic or professional reference.

Please email your application documents to Dr. Lauren Grant (laugrant@uoguelph.ca) with the subject line “PhD Application – Rabies Co-Management.”