PhD Research Opportunities in Human and Environmental Physiology

Job summary

Conduct innovative research on how environmental and individual factors influence human physiological tolerance and performance during heat stress. Contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to protect vulnerable populations and workers from rising temperatures.

Job details

University of Ottawa – Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU) | Ottawa, ON | Start Date: September 2027 | Closing Date: No Closing Date About The Opportunity The Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU) at the University of Ottawa, home of Operation Heat Shield Canada, is seeking highly motivated candidates for full-time PhD studies. Students will have the opportunity to conduct innovative research examining how environmental and individual factors influence human physiological tolerance, health, and performance during heat stress. Working with Dr. Glen P. Kenny and an interdisciplinary team, students will contribute to research aimed at protecting the general population, vulnerable groups, and workers from the health impacts of rising temperatures. Research and Training Students Will Receive Interdisciplinary Training In Human Environmental Physiology Spanning Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms, Whole-body Physiology, And Population Health. Research Opportunities Include Understanding physiological responses and adaptations to heat. Identifying factors that increase heat vulnerability. Evaluating occupational and public health heat stress. Developing evidence-based strategies to protect health and performance during extreme heat. Students will gain experience with advanced physiological and molecular techniques, including: Whole-body calorimetry. Body temperature and cardiovascular monitoring. Skin blood flow and sweating measurements. Cellular and molecular analyses. Training will also include study design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, knowledge translation, presentation of research at national and international scientific meetings, and opportunities to mentor junior research trainees. Collaborative Environment Students will work within an interdisciplinary network of national and international scientists, physicians, public health agencies, and industry partners, with opportunities to translate research findings into evidence-based heat-health guidance and practice. Qualifications Hold, or be nearing completion of, a master’s degree in kinesiology, physiology, health sciences, science, or a related discipline. Have a strong interest in environmental physiology, exercise, human health, and the physiological impacts of extreme heat. Previous research experience is an asset, but specialized laboratory experience is not required. Position Details Full-time PhD positions are available for September 2027. Funded PhD positions are available. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled. International candidates are encouraged to apply. Location: Montpetit Hall, University of Ottawa, 125 University Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada. Application Procedures Interested candidates should send a CV, unofficial academic transcript, and brief statement outlining their research interests and career goals to Dr. Glen P. Kenny (gkenny@uottawa.ca). For more information visit hepru.ca

What you’ll do

Conduct innovative research on how environmental and individual factors influence human physiological tolerance and performance during heat stress. Contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to protect vulnerable populations and workers from rising temperatures.

Requirements

Candidates must hold or be nearing completion of a master's degree in kinesiology, physiology, health sciences, or a related field. A strong interest in environmental physiology and the impacts of extreme heat is required.

Listed skills

• collaborative · Preferred
• analysis · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Training · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Health · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• Time · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Human Environmental Physiology
• Whole-body Calorimetry
• Cardiovascular Monitoring
• Molecular Analysis
• Study Design
• Statistical Analysis
• Scientific Writing
• Knowledge Translation
• Skin Blood Flow Measurement
• Sweating Measurements

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Education
• Environmental & Sustainability