Doctoral Researcher in Climate Change and Demographic Inequality
Explore the intersection of climate change, health systems, and demographic inequalities through quantitative research in Belgium.
Best for:Best for quantitative researchers with a strong background in demography, epidemiology, or related fields, skilled in statistical programming (R, Stata, Python), and passionate about climate change and social inequalities.
Overview
This doctoral position at Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) focuses on investigating how health system failures exacerbate climate-demographic inequalities. Based at the Center for Demographic Research (DEMO), the project examines the impact of climate-related environmental exposures on population dynamics, including health, mortality, fertility, and migration. The researcher will develop independent yet collaborative quantitative research, leveraging demographic, administrative, survey, and geospatial data, with flexibility to study high-income or low-middle-income countries. The role emphasizes policy-relevant insights into health care access, quality, and preparedness.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent yet collaborative quantitative research on the demographic consequences of climate change and health system failures.
- Develop and implement research questions addressing health, mortality, fertility, migration, and inequalities across population groups and regions.
- Analyze demographic, administrative, survey, and geospatial data using statistical programming tools (R, Stata, Python).
- Engage with an international research environment and participate actively in seminars and collaborative activities at DEMO.
- Develop research proposals for potential follow-up funding opportunities during the doctoral program.
- Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences to inform relevant policies.
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.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; strong written and spoken proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative research skills with a focus on 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 hold or expect to obtain a Master's degree before starting the position.
- Applicants still completing their Master’s degree may apply if they expect to meet the admission requirements before starting the doctoral position.
- Applicants must meet UCLouvain’s requirements for admission to doctoral studies.
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 chapter)
Contact
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