We are seeking candidates interested in applying for a PhD scholarship on quantitative health systems
modelling in maternal health. The PhD would draw on secondary data and primary data being collected
within ongoing studies of maternal health seeking and provision in two large cities in sub-Saharan Africa.
You would be embedded in a multi-disciplinary team and help integrate quantitative and qualitative data to
elucidate the mechanisms through which discontinuities in provision and demand for maternal care affect
maternal and perinatal health outcomes. You will develop and validate a quantitative model using system
dynamics modelling and geospatial modelling methods to identify system leverage points (areas where
intervening potentially induces optimal outcomes) and test the likely impact of actions to alleviate the burden
of discontinuities on maternal and perinatal outcomes. You will use both structural and behavioural
validation tests to build confidence in the model and test robustness. The candidate would be working under
the supervision of a team of experts in maternal health, health systems modelling and spatial epidemiology.
You will be supported to prepare a competitive PhD proposal to the funding agency FWO by March 1, 2024.
If successful, you will take up the PhD post in November 2024 for a duration of 4 years.

Profile
FWO PhD scholarship requirements:

• Masters degree obtained after March 1, 2021
• No more than 18 months of academic seniority (e.g. research experience) as of March 1, 2024
• Details of funding scheme - please check your eligibility: https://lnkd.in/dQeeRnut

Essential:

• Strong background in quantitative sciences, such as applied mathematics, computer science, health
  economics or public health (with a strong quantitative component)
• Strong computer programming skills with expertise in analysis of large quantitative datasets
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Willingness to relocate to Belgium

Desired:

• Experience or exposure to GIS and spatial modelling
• Previous use of Vensim or Stella software is highly desirable
• French language competency (or willingness to learn)
• Exposure to sub-Saharan African settings and health systems
• Willingness to travel
  Applicants of any nationality are welcome.

Interested?
Please email your CV and a motivation letter to Dr Lenka Benova, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp
Belgium (lbenova@itg.be) by January 29, 2024. You will be contacted for next steps by February 5, 2024.

Examples of previous work on which the candidate will build:

• Cassidy R, Singh NS, Schiratti P-R, et al. Mathematical modelling for health systems research: a
  systematic review of system dynamics and agent-based models. BMC Health Services Research
  2019; 19(1): 845.
• Ismail SA, Bell S, Chalabi Z et al. Conceptualising and assessing health system resilience to
  shocks: a cross-disciplinary view [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations].
  Wellcome Open Res 2022, 7:151 (https://lnkd.in/dexbMk5C)