At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on infectious disease epidemiology and health economic modelling.
- Company: Join UCL's Institute of Health Informatics, a vibrant research community.
- Benefits: Fully funded studentship with a competitive stipend and tuition coverage.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for teaching and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health strategies for migrants in high-income countries.
- Qualifications: Master's or Bachelor's in relevant fields; programming skills in R or Python preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 23805 £ per year.
A 3.5-year teaching PhD Studentship in infectious disease epidemiology and health economic modelling is available within the Institute of Health Informatics, UCL. The studentship will commence on 1 October 2026 under the supervision of Dr Rebecca Baggaley and Dr Johan Thygesen.
The purpose of this studentship is to generate evidence to support a wider programme of work aimed at designing a primary care-based targeted testing approach for key infections (tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) among migrants to high‑income countries. The student will contribute to this programme by undertaking some or all of the following activities:
- Adapt existing health economic models of infection screening (HIV, HBV, HCV and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) testing to identify individuals with latent TB or prior exposure to TB) to evaluate the cost‑effectiveness of approaches to infection testing of migrants in primary care.
- Update estimates of the number of chronic HBV cases among foreign‑born populations in EU/EEA countries.
- Build on previous work linking administrative immigration data with electronic health records to explore healthcare utilisation related to HIV, TB, HBV and HCV among migrants in the UK.
This position presents a unique opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research team working across epidemiology, health economics and qualitative research. The student’s modelling and analytical work will directly inform the co-design of the targeted testing approach, helping shape the testing strategies to be explored in the feasibility study and contributing to an integrated programme of research.
Beyond the research-focused deliverables outlined above, the successful applicant will also contribute to the development, delivery and support of teaching across our two institute programmes. Tasks may include enhancing teaching quality by creating new and reviewing existing materials, assisting with teaching as a postgraduate teaching assistant, engaging with our highly motivated students through thesis supervision or co‑supervision, as well as engaging with and helping support other teaching‑related events at the Institute.
This PhD position offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The student will receive regular guidance and support from their project supervisors as well as from an independent thesis committee. The candidate will be supported in all aspects of teaching by our collaborative and supportive teaching team. In addition, the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme (DSDP) is designed to help doctoral researchers develop skills for research, professional development and employment. As part of Dr Baggaley’s fellowship, there is provision for further training and for conference attendance. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, starting 1 October 2026.
This Studentship presents a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research at and be a part of the research community, being an integral part of the exciting and thriving research team.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have:
- a Masterʼs degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, public health, health economics, applied statistics, biomedical sciences, health services research, or a medical degree with relevant experience, or equivalent professional experience.
- demonstrated proficiency in quantitative methods and experience with programming tools such as R or Python.
- experience in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, decision analytic modelling or other modelling techniques.
- a keen interest in teaching and academic development.
- an excellent academic track record, with scientific curiosity and a commitment to rigorous research.
- strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- experience of working in a team environment.
- experience of working independently.
In addition, the following experience would be helpful, but not essential:
- experience or background in health economics.
- experience of teaching.
- experience with project management, including coordinating tasks, managing timelines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve research objectives.
- demonstrated adaptability, curiosity, problem‑solving skills and leadership capabilities.
What we offer
This studentship provides a starting stipend of £23,805 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate. Only students eligible for UK/Home fees status can apply.
How to Apply
Please do not click the 'Apply Now' button next to the advert. Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr Rebecca Baggaley (r.baggaley@ucl.ac.uk). Interview date: 14th July 2026. Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered. The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the Institute of Health Informatics MPhil/PhD programme to take up the studentship.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
3.5 Year PhD Studentship: Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Health Economic Modelling - Insti[...] employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
The Institute of Health Informatics at UCL offers a dynamic and supportive environment for PhD students, fostering collaboration across disciplines in infectious disease epidemiology and health economic modelling. With a commitment to professional development, students benefit from a fully funded 3.5-year studentship, competitive stipend, and access to the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, ensuring a rich academic experience in one of the world's leading research institutions located in vibrant London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 3.5 Year PhD Studentship: Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Health Economic Modelling - Insti[...]
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We think you need these skills to ace 3.5 Year PhD Studentship: Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Health Economic Modelling - Insti[...]
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