Current Opportunities
This is a centralized collection of currently available opportunities for potential graduate students who are seeking to enrol in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program at OVC and are looking for an advisor.
For other opportunities, potential students can email individual faculty members to determine whether they are currently taking on any new students. Please browse faculty listings on departmental websites to learn more about faculty members' research programs and locate their contact information.
Current Opportunities:
Master of Science (MSc) Position - Epidemiology
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Applications are invited for a graduate student position (Master of Science by thesis) in epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine.
The successful applicant will be involved in a research program that will utilize qualitative and quantitative epidemiological approaches to investigate the welfare implications of using needle-free technology for administering medication to piglets.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in an area that is relevant to the research project and meet all of the graduate department admissions requirements for the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph.
Applicants should have an interest in learning epidemiology, statistics, quantitative and qualitative research techniques as well as an interest in research focused on swine health, animal populations, livestock, and animal welfare. This research project involves on-farm hands-on work with piglets and will provide experience and training in all aspects of applied research.
The applicant should have excellent English language communication skills (both verbal and written) and evidence of strong academic performance. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Any questions regarding the position and research project can be directed to Dr. O’Sullivan.
Interested candidates should email their curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and academic transcripts to Dr. Terri O’Sullivan, tosulliv@uoguelph.ca
The anticipated starting date is Spring Semester (May 2024) and the position will remain open until filled.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Position - Host-pathogen Interactions in Mycoplasma Bovis Pneumonia
Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Department of Pathobiology.
The successful applicant will be involved in a research program on host-pathogen interaction in Mycoplasma bovis infection that focuses on the responses of bovine macrophages to M. bovis infection and how the diseased lung microenvironment modulates these responses. Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen of cattle for which adequate control methods are not currently available. The research addresses the reasons that some infected cattle develop severe chronic pneumonia while many other infected cattle remain healthy. The investigative approach involves primary cell culture and advanced analysis of diseased lung tissue, and some work with sample collection from cattle. Laboratory methods are expected to involve mycoplasmal culture, bovine primary cell culture, confocal microscopy, and assays of inflammatory responses and cell death mechanisms, and may also include flow cytometry and electron microscopy.
Applicants should have an interest in microbiology and immunology with a focus on host-pathogen interaction and pathogenesis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation and of cell death.
The applicant must have completed an MSc degree with a focus on immunology, microbiology or related fields, evidence of strong academic performance, and strong English language communication skills. Applicants must meet the graduate department admissions requirements for the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Guelph, including completion of an approved MSc degree with a minimum 'B+' average.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should email their curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and academic transcripts to Dr. Jeff Caswell, jcaswell@uoguelph.ca.
The anticipated starting date is Winter or Summer Semester (January or May 2025) and the position will remain open until filled.
MSc and PhD PROGRAMS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY – CLIMATE MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
A funded 2-year MSc AND a 3-year PhD program in Epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, are open for applications. These positions are part of a large international project, “Climate Mental Health Research Initiative (CMHRI): Urgently Accelerating Climate Mental Health Research & Equity through Global Networks” funded through the New Frontiers in Research Fund. The Candidates will participate in CMHRI’s Farmers Case Study to investigate the mental health impacts of extreme climate events amongst farmers, with particular emphasis on equity-deserving groups (women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and Christian anabaptist sectarian groups). Data collection methods will include longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The program is expected to commence September 2024, depending on availability of a suitable candidate.
The candidates are expected to participate fully in all aspects of study design, data collection, data analyses, and knowledge translation as highly motivated, ambitious, and effective scientific team members. They will be part of a dynamic team that values both personal and professional growth.
Applicants must possess a relevant undergraduate (for MSc position) or graduate (for PhD positions) qualifications, meet all of the graduate department admissions requirements, and have a background related to the project (e.g. epidemiology, climate change, psychology, social work). A background in agriculture would be a strong asset. Reflecting our team’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles and the project’s objectives: women, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants are especially encouraged to apply. If comfortable, applicants are encouraged to indicate their intersections in their cover letters; however, disclosure is not a requirement to submit, and we recognize that not all people are safe to disclose their identities.
Candidates are invited to email their full curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter that includes a statement of goals and an explanation of their motivation for applying for this project, and academic transcripts (unofficial are fine) to Dr. Andria Jones at: aqjones[at]uoguelph.ca. Note that three (3) letters of reference will be required for the formal application. The deadline for submissions is Friday July 12, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is found.
MBS Course-Based Position - Exploring the carbohydrate landscape in cat foods: From labels to reality
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
A 1-year Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) coursework-based graduate position is available under the supervision of Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe from the Department of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), commencing September, 2024, wherein the major project will investigate the dietary carbohydrate content and types in commercial cat foods. Research conducted by the OVC Pet Nutrition Team focuses on how advances in pet nutrition can optimize the life of pets and potentially their pet owners.
Commercial cat foods differ in carbohydrate type and content compared to the typical prey species consumed by wild cats. Concerns about feline health, including obesity and diabetes, have arisen due to these differences. However, current research does not identify a direct link of carbohydrate intake to feline obesity. Carbohydrate levels in cat foods lack standardization, and carbohydrate content is limited to the estimation of nitrogen-free extract, which does not differentiate between simple and complex carbohydrates and includes soluble fibres. Simple sugars and digestible starches are thought to result in negative health consequences such as hyperglycemia, whereas indigestible starch and dietary fibres are considered beneficial to maintain glucose control, as an example. The major research project will aim to explore cat food carbohydrate types and content using appropriate assays. By providing a clearer understanding of the carbohydrate landscape in commercial cat foods, the research aims to contribute to better nutritional management for cats.
Selection of the successful candidate is based on a combination of academic criteria, relevant interest and experience, referees’ evaluations, and an assessment of the candidate’s career goals and motivation. An undergraduate background with courses and/or research experience in food science or nutrition, animal physiology and statistics is preferred. Motivated and ambitious students with a keen interest in pet nutrition would be ideal. Well‐developed interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to send CV, transcripts, names and contact information of three references, and a cover letter stating interest in the abovementioned title to Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, at averbrug@uoguelph.ca.
Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe at averbrug@uoguelph.ca. For administrative support, please reach out to the Graduate Program and Research Assistant Team, OVC Shared Administrative Services, University of Guelph; e-mail: csgrad@uoguelph.ca.
Master of Science (MSc) Position and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Position - Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Dr. Jason Coe and the Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (RCVM@OVC) research team is looking for one or two more graduate students to join our team this fall, at the MSc (thesis or coursework) or PhD level. New graduate student funding opportunities have become available through the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph Scholarship and Fellowship competition.
Our team is looking for a dynamic, animal and people passionate person that is looking to have a role in shaping the future of veterinary practice. The successful candidate will receive graduate-level training in veterinary epidemiology and will undertake a graduate research project focusing on exam-room communication, team-based care, accessing care, or training approaches in veterinary medicine.
Working with RCVM@OVC team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Work within a collaborative and supportive research program
- Develop a sound background in the principles and methods of epidemiological research including quantitative and qualitative methods
- Broaden their own written and oral communication skills
- Be at the forefront of research into the social side of veterinary practice
- Expand their professional network within academia and the veterinary industry
Statements of interest will be accepted until a successful candidate is identified. Expected start date is September 2024.
Important OVC Scholarship and Fellowship deadlines:
- Statement of interest to be sent to Dr. Coe as soon as possible
- OUAC application must be initiated by May 13, 2024, to be eligible to apply for an OVC Scholarship (non-DVM applicants) or Fellowship (applicants with DVM)
- Deadline for submitting OVC Scholarship and Fellowship e-application is May 27, 2024
For more information or to submit a statement of interest (including CV and unofficial transcript), please visit https://rcvm.uoguelph.ca/join-our-team/
