Practicum Student

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Scientist, Third Party Grants

 

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

 

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to two alcohol labelling research studies led by Dr. Erin Hobin. High-quality experimental evidence testing the effectiveness of alcohol labels on consumer outcomes is limited. To address this gap, Dr. Hobin is using novel research methods permitting experimental control in the field to estimate the impacts of alcohol warning labels on consumer knowledge and perceptions of alcohol health risks, and on alcohol use. This research responds to the policy priorities and evidence needs of Canadian and international decision-making bodies, including Health Canada and the World Health Organization. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to the research processes for two alcohol labelling studies.
The first study is a randomized field experiment to test the effects of different alcohol warning labels on consumer alcohol cognitions and on alcohol use. More than 1500 participants will be recruited from across the 10 provinces, randomized to 1 of 4 alcohol label conditions, and couriered a supply of labels according to their assigned label condition. Participants will be instructed to affix 1 label to all alcohol containers in their home over a 4-week period. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 4 follow-up points using a brief online survey. Self-reported alcohol use will be corroborated using lipid biomarkers. The successful applicant will assist with coordinating the initial study administration planning, materials, and applications.
The second study is a pilot project assessing a standardized protocol for the self-collection of two dried blood spot samples from participants and testing the between-subject variability and inter-day precision of PEth levels as a biomarker of medium-term alcohol exposures as compared to self-reports of alcohol beverage consumption acquired by a series of weekly on-line surveys. Two sets of dried blood spots will be collected by participants over a 4 week period using a commercial dried blood spot collection device.

Please note:
• This position is only open to students who are currently enrolled in an academic program where the completion of a practicum placement is required.
• This position is only open to students currently residing in Ontario and attending a Canadian academic institution. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Ontario-based academic institutions.
• This is a paid placement.

Suggested placement date: January to April 2027

Educational objectives:

• Support the collection, cleaning and management of primary data in one study.

• Apply data integrity checks and cleaning to primary datasets.

• Contribute to survey development and testing, including testing of survey logic and

refinement of participant-facing materials.

• Assist with study administration and recruitment planning.

• Provide participant support throughout the study, including responding to questions and

troubleshooting technical issues.

• Understand survey methods.

• Support primary data collection.

• Assist with study administration planning and materials.

• Opportunity to engage with public health practitioners and community leaders.

Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:

• Contribute to status and data reports for funding partners for the research.

• Contribute to development of data collection tools and surveys for the research.

• Oral presentation of the projects’ methods and results, delivered to a public health

audience.

Required education and experience:

• Current enrollment in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program.

• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of SAS or R (statistical software) considered an asset.

• Experience with REDCap or similar survey platforms considered an asset.

• Clear understanding of the research process acquired through practical or academic

experience considered an asset.

Duration: Student (Fixed Term), 3 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group: Individual Contributor

 

Compensation Range: $700.00 - $725.00

 

Posting Date: 09-16-2026

Closing Date: 10-1-2026

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.  Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to [email protected]. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.