Position Summary

Drs. Anas El-Aneed (Pharmacy), Lipu Wang and Randy Kutcher (Agriculture) are looking for a Ph.D. student to conduct analytical research examining mycotoxins within wheat crops that may impact grain quality and marketability as well as the health and safety of animals and humans. The mycotoxins are produced by multiple Fusarium spp. (fungi) causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) a destructive disease of small grain cereal crops.

A common Fusarium-produced mycotoxin found in North America is deoxynivalenol (DON); however, mounting evidence suggests that there are many DON-related structures, which are being discovered and characterized. The main goal for the Ph.D. student is to develop targeted analytical methods to detect and measure DON-derivatives that have authentic standards. In addition, a screening method should be established for DON-derivatives that do not have authentic standards.

The successful applicant will conduct their research within the laboratory of Dr. El-Aneed with an expected start date of September 2024.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in life sciences, such as chemistry, biochemistry, agriculture or relevant sciences (received in the past 3 years) or undergraduate degrees with at least 3 years relevant work experience.
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant work experience
• Scientific presentations and publications
• A cumulative weighted average of at least 80%
• Interpersonal and leadership skills
• Eligibility for tri-council funding in Canada

Formal requirements

The successful applicant will enroll as a PhD student in Plant Science at the University of Saskatchewan according to the rules stipulated in the guidelines for the Graduate Program at the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Financial Support:

The candidate will be provided with a stipend and will be expected to apply for internal and external scholarships.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit one single application document (pdf file) that includes (1) a cover letter, (2) a complete curriculum vitae (CV), (3) a copy of transcripts, (3) language proficiency test results if applicable, and (4) contact information for two academic/professional references.

Submit your application to Dr. El-Aneed: anas.el-aneed@usask.ca. Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until May 31, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position summary:

Dr. Kelsey Cochrane is recruiting an MSc student to help evaluate acceptability of donor human milk for HIV-exposed infants. Project background: To make sure that HIV is not passed on to baby through breastmilk, it is recommended that people living with HIV use formula to feed their babies. However, breastmilk has immune-boosting components that cannot be added to infant formula. Providing donated breastmilk might be a way to give babies the benefits of breastmilk without the risk of passing on HIV. We want to understand if providing donated breastmilk to HIV-exposed babies is something that caregivers want and if it can be done without too many challenges. In this study, we will invite pregnant people living with HIV and caregivers of HIV-exposed infants to participate in a focus group or semi-structured private interview to understand how they feel about providing donated breastmilk to their babies. Confirming acceptability is a necessary foundation prior to conducting any follow-up research.

The successful applicant will conduct their research under the supervision of Dr. Kelsey Cochrane with an expected start date of September 2024.

Skills and qualifications:

• A cumulative weighted average from your undergraduate degree of at least 80%
• Knowledge related to HIV/AIDS, infant nutrition, and donor human milk, and experience working with Indigenous communities (Canada-specific experiences preferred)
• Qualitative research experience, including experience conducting focus groups, private interviews, and thematic analysis, is an asset (but not a requirement)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Financial support: The candidate will be provided with a stipend and will also be expected to apply for internal and external scholarships.

How to apply:

• Submit your CV, including any research experience, relevant expertise related to HIV/AIDS, infant feeding, and donor human milk, and any previous experience working with Indigenous communities
• If your undergraduate degree is from a school outside of Canada or the United States that is not ranked in the top 500 schools internationally, please provide some information to help us understand the caliber of your institution.
• Please send a transcript from your undergraduate degree
• If English is not your first language, please send proof of English proficiency
• If available, please describe any funding to support your studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Submit your application to Dr. Cochrane: Kelsey.cochrane@usask.ca; please use the following subject title: MSc HIV Donor Milk. Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until May 31, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.