Description du sujet
Wastewater based epidemiology has become an effective public health tool worldwide. However, it has mainly been applied in large communities with advanced wastewater treatment systems. Little research exists for small Indigenous communities, notably the Inuit communities of Nunavik. Their unique infrastructure for wastewater collection (using trucks) and treatment requires adapted methods.
This research project aims to develop an adapted method of wastewater-based epidemiology, applicable to the decentralized wastewater collection systems of Nunavik’s northern villages. This method will enable local and regional authorities to better assess the spread of infectious diseases (COVID-19, influenza, RSV and especially tuberculosis) and implement effective public health interventions to prevent and limit epidemics. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with northern villages and Nunavik’s regional public health authorities. The project will involve field activities, as well as laboratory analyses.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience in wastewater quality analysis, and knowledge of molecular biology and the health risks associated with infectious diseases. A good level of French comprehension is required. If necessary, the selected candidate must be open to taking French courses. The candidate must also be comfortable and interested in traveling to the remote region of Nunavik (accessible only by plane). If traveling to Nunavik, the candidate must have a valid driver’s license.
Education (among the following field)
- Civil engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Public health
Research supervisor
Prof. Stéphanie Guilherme
Research environment
Department of Civil and Water Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC. The research will be carried out in partnership with the University of Ottawa and the Nunavik regional board of health and social services.
Prise de fonction :
01/05/2025
Nature du financement
Financement public/privé
Précisions sur le financement
A scholarship will be available worth $25,000 CAD/year for a total of 3 years. Additional scholarships may be available, to be discussed with the supervisor.
PrĂ©sentation Ă©tablissement et labo d’accueil
Université Laval
L’UniversitĂ© Laval, situĂ©e dans la ville de QuĂ©bec au Canada, est reconnue Ă l’international pour l’excellence de sa formation et de sa recherche. L’UniversitĂ© Laval est classĂ©e parmi les 20 meilleures universitĂ©s francophones au monde selon les principaux palmarès des universitĂ©s.
Site web :
https://www.gci.ulaval.ca/accueil
Intitulé du doctorat
Doctorat en génie des eaux
Pays d’obtention du doctorat
Canada
Etablissement délivrant le doctorat
Université Laval
Profil du candidat
Student profil
– Engineering
– Microbiology
– Molecular biology
– Public health
Conditions
– Master’s degree in microbiology, water engineering, environment or related field
– Good academic record
– Strong interest in environmental and public health training
– Resourceful
– Be rigorous
– Enjoy teamwork
– Highly motivatedDate limite de candidature
17/01/2025