Opportunity to study the epidemiology of arsenic exposure in Nova Scotia

Graduate student opportunity to study the epidemiology of arsenic exposure in Nova Scotia - M.Sc. Epidemiology - Dept of Health Management, UPEI, Canada

Pending final approval, a new MSc position in epidemiology will be available for the study of arsenic levels in drinking water and body tissues in Nova Scotians, and the associated genetic damage of arsenic on the body tissues. The project is the result of collaboration among researchers from UPEI, Dalhousie U, Mt Allison U, Acadia U, Health Canada, and Equilibrium Environmental Inc.

The student will be based at the Department of Health Management at UPEI, but should expect some traveling to other areas within Atlantic Canada, with the data collection being in Nova Scotia, and collaborators coming from outside PEI. The student will be involved primarily in the epidemiological aspects of the project, so laboratory skills (eg. sample processing, QA/QC) are assets but are not essential. As part of the research, the student will be conducting face-to-face surveys with participants on their drinking water and food habits. Because of confidentiality issues with participant’s identities, the student will undergo a reliability security check.

The student is expected to develop and write a thesis, take graduate courses in epidemiology and biostatistics, and present their results at regional, national and international meetings and publish (results) in high quality journals.

Applicants are expected to have a D.V.M. or B.Sc. degree in biological sciences with courses in biostatistics and biochemistry. Enthusiasm and ability to work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of researchers are also important. A valid driver’s license is required.

Interested students should submit: i) a letter profiling their research interests, ii) experience in community health, health geography, cellular biology, toxicology, biochemistry, biophysics, water quality assessment, epidemiology and biostatistics; ii) university transcript(s): and iii) an updated curriculum vitae. The CV should include the name and contact information for three references. The position could possibly start as early as May 2009 and is for 2 years.

Submit questions and applications to:
John VanLeeuwen
Department of Health Management
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown PE, C1A 4P3
jvanleeuwen@upei.ca

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