Practicum Student Alcohol Labelling Research

Practicum Student - Alcohol Labelling Research

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Scientist Third Party Grants

High-quality experimental evidence testing the effectiveness of alcohol warning 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 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 experimental studies.
The first study is a controlled natural experiment to evaluate the impacts of a new cancer warning label implemented in the Northwest Territories (NWT) to inform alcohol labelling policies in NWT and across Canada. On April 1 2024 the Government of NWT introduced a cancer-specific warning label on wine and spirits containers sold in government-franchised liquor stores located across the 2025 there has been ministerial approval to expand the cancer warning label to include beer cider and coolers while making the colors of the label more vivid (e.g. bright yellow red border and black text). This study includes an online survey conducted among approximately 800 participants in NWT and Yukon (control site) aged 19 who consume alcohol. Findings from this study will highlight the potential of this alcohol policy intervention to address consumers right to know about the health effects of alcohol to support healthier behaviors and attitudes towards alcohol and to reduce alcohol use and harm. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to support primary data collection data cleaning and management and data analysis for this study.
The second 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.

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 start and end date: January 2026 to April 2026

Educational objectives:

• Support primary data collection prepare data analysis plan and lead/support cleaning management and analyses of large primary dataset
• Support knowledge translation plans and products for national territorial and community partners
• Assist with study administration planning and materials
• Engage with experts in public health research policy and practice

Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:

• Contribute to status and data reports for funding partners for the 2 studies
• Oral presentation of the projects methods and results delivered to a public health audience

Required education and experience:

• Enrollment in a graduate level degree program in public health
• Specialization in Epidemiology preferred
• Knowledge of SAS or R (statistical software) required
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Clear understanding of the research process acquired through practical or academic experience considered an asset

Duration: Student (Fixed Term) 4 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group: Individual Contributor

Posting Date:

Closing Date:

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 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.