PhD Candidate in Integrated Policy for Planetary Health
Explore how climate policy impacts infectious disease risks through interdisciplinary research and policy integration.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a background in public health, health policy, or related social sciences, passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and policy impact.
Overview
This PhD position at Erasmus University Rotterdam focuses on integrating planetary health into climate policy, specifically examining how infectious disease risks are addressed within climate adaptation and mitigation frameworks. The candidate will collaborate with Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) and Erasmus MC’s Viroscience department, contributing to the CINPHIA project—a five-year initiative funded by the Dutch Research Agenda (NWO). The research combines qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, including policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and participatory workshops, to develop tools for policymakers. The goal is to enhance the visibility of intended and unintended health impacts of climate policies across regional, provincial, and national levels. The successful applicant will engage with a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to refine and evaluate the Planetary Health Compass—a framework designed to improve policy outcomes for both human and planetary health.
What you'll do
- Conduct research at the intersection of climate policy, infectious disease risks, and planetary health, focusing on how these risks are integrated into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Analyze scientific literature, policy documents, and governance structures to identify gaps and opportunities for improving health integration in climate policy.
- Design and execute qualitative and mixed-methods research, including literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, expert consultations, and participatory workshops.
- Develop and evaluate the Planetary Health Compass—a tool for policymakers to assess the health impacts of climate policies across regional, provincial, and national levels.
- Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders within the CINPHIA consortium to refine and implement policy tools and frameworks.
- Translate research findings into actionable insights for both academic publication and practical application in policy and practice.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to academic and policy discourse.
- Complete a PhD thesis within four years and contribute to teaching and student supervision within ESHPM.
- Engage in interdisciplinary teamwork to ensure the integration of diverse perspectives and expertise.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in health sciences, health policy and management, public administration, public health, sustainability, or a related social science field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; advanced proficiency required. Dutch is highly recommended for practical collaboration with Dutch stakeholders.
Instruction: English (with Dutch used in practical stakeholder engagement)
- Strong analytical and research skills with experience in qualitative or mixed-methods research
- Ability to systematically analyze scientific literature and policy documents, integrating multiple perspectives
- Familiarity with governance and interdisciplinary collaboration in policy-making contexts
- Proficiency in conducting stakeholder interviews, expert consultations, and participatory workshops
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a transdisciplinary research consortium
- Experience in policy evaluation and translating research into practical policy tools
- No specific nationality restrictions, but eligibility for Dutch PhD funding may apply
- Open to applicants from any country, with no residency or age restrictions mentioned
- No prior experience caps, but relevant academic and research background is essential
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-01
Applicants should submit their application via the Erasmus University Rotterdam’s online portal. The application must include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, a research proposal outlining the intended approach to the PhD project, and copies of academic transcripts and degrees. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Ensure all documents are in English and address how your background and skills align with the project’s objectives.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts and degrees
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
First Last· PhD Recruitment Coordinator
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