Doctoral Researcher in Climate Change and Demographic Inequality
Explore the intersection of climate change, health systems, and demographic inequalities through quantitative research.
Best for:Best for quantitative researchers with a strong background in demography, sociology, or related fields, interested in climate change, health disparities, and population dynamics.
Overview
This doctoral position at Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) focuses on investigating how climate-related environmental exposures and health system failures influence demographic inequalities. The project, titled *Preventable Harm*, aims to understand the impacts on health, mortality, fertility, migration, and population dynamics, with a specific emphasis on health care access, quality, and preparedness. The researcher will develop independent research questions within this framework, primarily using quantitative methods and combining demographic, administrative, or survey data with climate and environmental exposure data. The position is based at the Center for Demographic Research (DEMO) and offers a collaborative, international research environment in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research on the demographic consequences of climate change and health system failures, focusing on health, mortality, fertility, and migration.
- Develop and execute quantitative research projects using demographic, administrative, or survey data combined with climate and environmental exposure data.
- Analyze inequalities across population groups, places, and institutional settings to inform relevant health and demographic policies.
- Collaborate with the research team at the Center for Demographic Research (DEMO) and participate in seminars and scientific activities.
- Publish research findings in academic journals and present results at conferences.
- Engage in an international research environment and contribute to policy discussions on climate and demographic issues.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in demography, sociology, population health, epidemiology, economics, geography, public policy, quantitative social science, statistics/data science, or a closely related field. Applicants still completing their master’s degree may apply if they expect to meet the requirements before starting the position.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; strong written and spoken proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative research skills with an interest in demography, environment, climate change, social inequalities, health, and population dynamics.
- Proficiency in statistical programming, particularly R, Stata, or Python.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Strong written and spoken English proficiency.
- Applicants must meet UCLouvain’s requirements for admission to doctoral studies.
- Applicants still completing their master’s degree may apply if they expect to meet the requirements before starting the position.
- No nationality restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-16 (Europe/Brussels)
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, referee contact details, and an example of academic/research writing through the UCLouvain online application form. Reference letters are not required at this stage but may be requested for shortlisted candidates.
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
- One example of academic or research-oriented written work (e.g., thesis excerpt)
Contact
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