Postdoc Modeling targeted and population-wide prevention strategies

Job description

Should health prevention be targeted at individuals with the highest risk of disease or towards the entire population? What are the societal costs and benefits of these two approaches? And how do they impact health inequalities?

If you get excited about these questions, we are looking for you: an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary research team.

In this project, you will analyze the population- and distributional impact of targeted and population-based interventions on health, societal costs and benefits and equity impact. You will develop and use simulation models to investigate the impact of the key ingredients on the distributional impact of public health interventions: the distribution of the risk factor, the initial distribution of the health outcome, the exposure-outcome relationship and the (potentially heterogeneous) effectiveness of the intervention. You will combine these models with detailed administrative and survey data to apply the theoretical insights to one ore more case studies. One potential application is the introduction of sugar taxes in the Netherlands and their effect on overweight and obesity and weight-related health outcomes.

You will be supervised by prof. dr. Frank van Lenthe and dr. Joost Oude Groeniger based at the department of Public Health of Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam and dr. Bram Wouterse at the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management. You will also collaborate with experts on public health and economic evaluations at these schools and within the Smarter Choices for Better Health initiative.

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a researcher with strong quantitative skills. Preferably, you have experience with both building and running (micro-)simulation models and the analysis of large data sets. Experience with R (or comparable software) is highly recommended. A background in epidemiology or health economics is beneficial, but anyone with the necessary quantitative skills and an interest in public health and health inequality is invited to apply. A PhD degree is required for this position.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 2 years.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 5.504,- (scale 10).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.