PhD student in Medical Science (Public Health Science)

Description of the workplace
Health Economics at Lund University is ranked as the leading research environment in its field in Scandinavia and 9th in Europe. The health economics research group at the Faculty of Medicine is led by Professor Ulf Gerdtham and conducts research in five main areas: 1) Public health problems 2) Incentives and organization within healthcare 3) Design of healthcare systems in terms of efficiency and distribution 4) Economic evaluations of health interventions and programs 5) Socioeconomic inequality in health and welfare. The research group contributes to both theoretical and empirical research and uses survey and register data from regional, national, and international databases, as well as experiments. More information about the research can be found here. The position is located in Lund.

Within the research group, we value a good working environment with respect and care in our relations with one another and strive for a workplace that is perceived as developmental and stimulating for all employees. We continuously work to create conditions for job satisfaction, development, and participation for all employees. We safeguard both physical safety and the psychosocial work environment

The Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, now announces a doctoral position and employment as a PhD student in Public Health Science with a focus on Health Economics.

Doctoral subject 
Medical Science

Project description
In recent years, cancer mortality has decreased significantly thanks to advances in prevention and treatment. At the same time, a clear socioeconomic gradient in health gains remains, where individuals with higher socioeconomic status benefit to a greater extent. Socioeconomic inequality in healthcare is increasing partly because socioeconomically disadvantaged groups make use of healthcare to a significantly lower degree. This is particularly true for breast cancer, where despite Sweden’s high screening participation, large socioeconomic differences persist even when measures to increase equity are introduced, such as the removal of patient fees. Breast cancer is also the most common form of cancer among women, with thousands of cases diagnosed annually in Sweden ((National Board of Health and Welfare, 2023).

However, there is a need for analyses that evaluate screening intervals and distributional effects within modern Swedish healthcare, as well as proposals on how the gaps between groups with low and high socioeconomic status can be reduced.

Duties
The main tasks of the doctoral student are to pursue doctoral studies focusing on the causes of inequality in breast cancer screening and mortality in Sweden, as well as to conduct distribution-focused evaluations of new cancer screening interventions aimed at reducing the gaps between groups with low and high socioeconomic status.

The duties primarily include planning research projects, applying for ethical approval, ordering register data, and conducting econometric analysis of large register-based datasets. Further tasks include conducting health economic evaluations, project planning, scientific writing, and presenting research results at seminars and at national and international conferences.

Other tasks within the research group may also be assigned. The doctoral student will work as part of a team with researchers at the Health Economics Unit at Lund University.

Eligibility
General eligibility for education at the doctoral level is held by anyone who has:

• completed a degree at the advanced level
• completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, or
• in another way, in Sweden or abroad, acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

The requirements for specific eligibility are met by anyone who has:

• at least 60 higher education credits in the subject area of Medical Science.
• knowledge corresponding to at least 3 years of upper secondary school competence in English.

Specific requirements for the position

• A Master’s degree in Economics/Health Economics (minimum 60 credits).
• Good knowledge of econometrics.
• Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written.
• Good ability to be flexible and work independently.
• Good collaboration skills and the ability to be a productive part of a team.

Merits for the position 

• Background or knowledge of measuring and explaining inequality in health and socioeconomic-related health.
• Documented experience in health economic evaluation.
• Documented experience in scientific writing, including authorship of scientific publications.
• Documented experience in conducting register studies and managing large datasets.
• Good knowledge of Stata/R.
• Previous experience of working in multidisciplinary research groups.

Basis for assessment and selection 
In accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance, selection shall primarily be based on an assessment of the applicants’ ability to benefit from the education. At admission, the applicants’ merits from prior education are the main basis for assessment. Breadth, depth, and relevance, as well as elements of independent work, shall be taken into account.

Terms and conditions
As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed.

The position is a fixed-term employment of four years, 100%, with a starting date 2025-12-01 or by agreement. As a general rule, employment at Lund University is carried out in Sweden; therefore, you are expected to be able to perform your work on-site in Lund.

Further information regarding admission and employment as a doctoral student can be found on the Faculty’s website: Studying at the PhD level | Intramed

We offer
Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university’s website about working with us: “Work with us”. 

How to apply / application instructions
The position is applied for via the university’s recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter with motivation as to why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your merits. The application must also include a CV, degree certificate(s) or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to refer to (copies of grades, references, recommendation letters, etc.).