PhD candidate in Epidemiology with Interests in Health Systems, Migration and Mental Health 100%

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international levels. 950 people from 95 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society and health as well as health systems and interventions.

The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH), within Swiss TPH, develops and applies epidemiological, statistical and mathematical methods to advance innovation, validation and application in the field of public health. The Urban Public Health Unit, the University Psychiatry Clinic, and the Household Economics and Health Systems Research Unit of EPH are currently looking for a PhD candidate in Epidemiology with Interests in Health Systems, Migration and Mental Health (100%).

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to work on the critical issue of health care access among migrants in Europe. The PhD studies will be embedded in two large ongoing studies. The student will have the opportunity to work with primary data from a nationwide survey on health care in Switzerland, and from a longitudinal cohort study on mental health care access among refugees in Basel.

Your position

Your various responsibilities include:

• Writing scientific, peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Presenting research results at local and international conferences and meetings
• Coordinating research activities including conducting a nationwide survey in Switzerland and setting up a cohort study, developing data collection instructions, training research staff, submitting IRB applications, and managing data collection
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis

Your profile

You should have the following experience and skills:

• Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, economics, social sciences, or a related field
• Experience in quantitative statistical analyses and data management - preferably in R or Stata
• Command of English, both written and spoken. Additional language skills - especially German and Ukrainian - are not required, but would be advantageous
• Ability to work self-sufficiently and as part of a research team.
• Interest in health systems, migrant health and mental health
• Interest in quantitative and qualitative research methods

We offer you

• A unique research opportunity to work with primary data from two recently-launched studies on related themes: a nationally representative survey on health care access across Switzerland with particular focus on migrants, and a cohort study on mental health care access among refugees in Basel
• Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Mentorship from a multidisciplinary team of researchers
• Meaningful work in an inclusive, collaborative environment

• Start Date: 1 April 2024
• Duration: 3 years
• Percentage: 100%
• Location: Allschwil, Switzerland
• Travel required: Optional travel within Switzerland

• CV
• Motivational letter including names and contact information (email or phone number) of 3 references
• Diploma(s) and transcripts with grades
• Writing sample (published or unpublished)