Career Opportunities
University of Guelph
Guelph Family Health Study Post-Doctoral Fellowship
In order to develop strategies to support the development of lifelong healthful habits in families with young children in the Canadian context, there are three critical knowledge gaps that must first be addressed; these include establishing the current sodium intake levels, the main sources of dietary sodium, and the association between sodium intake and CVD risk factors among preschool aged children. We will address these gaps by leveraging the data collected through the Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS), a family-based cohort study that is focused on early-life chronic disease prevention (www.guelphfamilyhealthstudy.com).
The GFHS was launched in 2014 with the recruitment of families with young children between the ages of 1.5 to 5 years. A cross-sectional analysis of data from the full study cohort, which now includes 322 preschool-aged children from 246 families, will be conducted to determine the association between sodium intake and modifiable CVD risk factors. Previously collected data includes areas such as sleep, family stress, diet, physical activity, genetics and screen time. We have also gathered extensive data on eating habits and dietary patterns of children through detailed food records and collected data on blood pressure and heart rate and anthropometric measurements such as body weight, waist circumference, BMI Z-scores and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Description of Lab/Group/Area:
The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) aims to help families form healthy habits at home. Under the directorship of Dr. David Ma and Dr. Jess Haines, our team of 6 faculty researchers at the University of Guelph have been studying factors that influence family and child health since 2014. We are developing practical ways to encourage healthful and sustainable eating, physical activity, screen-time, and sleep behaviours. By creating content that is accessible and useful for young families, this innovative and long-term study aims to help children learn healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Our multi-disciplinary team of researchers includes experts on behaviour change interventions, diet, physical activity and sleep, stress, body composition, genetics and blood biomarkers to statistical analysis. Each year our team also includes 25-30 undergraduate and graduate student researchers and post-doctoral fellows and day to day operations are managed by a team of 6 staff members. We are working together to realize our vision of lifelong health for children and families.
General Outline of Duties:
Under the supervision of Dr. David Ma, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the research activities of the project, including but not limited to the following:
- Performing data analyses
- Regular reporting to the research team
- Collaborating with other members of the Guelph Family Health Study team and external collaborators and stakeholders
- Preparing manuscript of findings
- Presenting findings at research conference(s)
- Developing tools for knowledge mobilization (i.e. infographics, podcasts, Conversation Canada article)
Teaching Requirement: No
Student/Employee Supervision: Supervising undergraduate and/or graduate trainees, as required
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in nutrition (nutritional sciences or applied human nutrition) or another related field.
- Expertise in genetics and/or cardiovascular health is an asset.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, in English
- Excellent research abilities, organizational skills and ability to meet specified deadlines
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Start Date & Duration of Appointment: up to 2 Years, Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2024
Anticipated Hours/Days of Work (at time of posting): Flexible working hours, Monday to Friday, 35 hours/week.
Salary Information: This post-doctoral fellowship is funded through a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada grant. Salary will be $37,500 plus benefits per year.
Application Requirements:
Documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Summary of Research Experience
- Writing Sample
- Other: Writing Sample could be a recent peer-reviewed publication
Special Instructions:
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.
The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.
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.
If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.
Supervisor: Dr. David Ma
Contact Info:
Name: Angela Annis
Title: Study Coordinator, Guelph Family Health Study
Email:aannis@uoguelph.ca
Phone Number: 519-831-6613
Website: www.guelphfamilyhealthstudy.com