The Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) at Erasmus University Rotterdam is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on developing new models to assess and guide the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of infectious disease interventions.
As climate change continues to reshape our environment, it is increasingly influencing the spread and severity of infectious diseases around the world. Floods, heatwaves, and changing ecosystems are affecting how diseases like malaria, hepatitis B, and polio spread—creating urgent public health challenges that require new tools and approaches.
The role is ideal for highly motivated early-career researchers eager to contribute to climate-resilient, cost-effective public health interventions.
Research Focus
You will develop and apply health economic models to evaluate infectious disease interventions under various climate scenarios. These models will inform disease elimination strategies and policy recommendations in diverse global settings—including high-, middle-, and low-income countries.
Case studies may include diseases such as:
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Hepatitis B
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Polio
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Malaria
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Other climate-sensitive infectious diseases
Your PhD research will consist of an integrated collection of peer-reviewed scientific papers contributing to policy-relevant, climate-adaptive public health economics.
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct pilot evaluations and systematic literature reviews
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Collect data on health outcomes, resource utilization, and costs
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Design and implement decision-analytic and health-economic models
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Assess feasibility and cost-effectiveness of interventions
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Collaborate across disciplines and publish in high-impact journals
Candidate Profile
Required:
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MSc degree in:
Health Policy and Management, Health Economics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related field -
Experience with cost-effectiveness research and health-economic modelling
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Strong qualitative research and systematic review skills
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Excellent English communication (Dutch is a plus)
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Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
Employment Conditions
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Full-time (1.0 FTE) position starting September 1, 2025
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Monthly salary: €2,901 – €3,707 (gross, full-time, CAO-NU scale PhD)
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Duration: fixed-term contract covering the full PhD program
Benefits include:
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41 days of paid leave (with a 40-hour contract)
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
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Hybrid working options
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Campus sports center discounts
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Pension contributions (2/3rds covered by EUR)
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Access to development resources and career coaching
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Dual Career Programme for partners
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Relocation support and potential 30% tax reimbursement (for international applicants)
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Inclusive and diverse academic culture
About Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a globally oriented university committed to creating a positive impact on society. ESHPM is one of the Netherlands’ leading schools in healthcare management and policy, with a strong international network and a reputation for interdisciplinary research.
The PhD position is hosted by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) department, known internationally for its research in health outcomes and economic evaluation. The department also collaborates with the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA).
Learn more: www.eur.nl
How to Apply
Submit your motivation letter and CV by June 1, 2025.
The selection process will include at least two rounds of interviews.
Apply here
For more opportunities, please visit our website.
