Practicum Student Epidemiologic Analysis of Child and Youth Health

Practicum Student - Epidemiologic Analysis of Child and Youth Health

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Applied Public Health Science

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

Understanding the burden of disease and risk and protective factors in early childhood and youth helps policy makers and public health practitioners prioritize programming to support childrens physical and mental 2019 Statistics Canada launched the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY). These data provides information on key child health indicators in Canada for individuals aged 1-17. The survey was conducted again in 2023 providing an opportunity for comparisons over time. Public Health Ontario also collects data through the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Surveys (OSDUHS) platform administered by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH). The changing landscape of mental health and substance use in Ontarios youth population is a key public health priority and PHO has access to OSDUHS data collected since 2015.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct multiple data analyses on Ontario survey data and to practice and enhance their analytic collaboration with their supervisor the successful candidate will have an opportunity to shape the analysis and survey sources used to meet their personal educational objectives (e.g. preferred focus on a specific health topic). Analyses of these data will form the basis for digital platforms related to child and youth health to be developed by PHO in the future. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the Healthy Growth and Development Evidence Network the Association of Public Health Epidemiologists CHSCY working group and other key networks to interact with public health practitioners to understand the work of Ontarios public health system.

Suggested placement start date: May to August 2026

This posting is for two (2) Practicum Student positions

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.

Educational objectives:

• Understand survey methods of key data sources for child and youth health in Ontario.
• Conduct data analysis of relevant indicators for supporting the assessment and monitoring of child and youth health in Ontario.
• Develop a knowledge product to report on selected indicators for a public health audience.
• Opportunity to work within a team and engage with public health practitioners working in public health units across Ontario.

Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:

• Oral presentation of projects methods and results delivered to a public health audience.
• Report preparation for Supervisors review including analytic plan.

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).
• Experience with Power BI 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:

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.