The student will conduct research on Inequality and Economic Burden of Non-Communicable Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries as part of the Erasmus Initiative Smarter Choices for Better Health – a collaboration between ESHPM, the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) and the Department of Public Health at Erasmus Medical Center. Supervision is by Professor Owen O’Donnell (ESHPM & ESE), Professor Tom Van Ourti (ESE & ESHPM) and Dr Igna Bonfrer (ESHPM).

Project
In high-income countries, there is a well-documented inverse relationship between non-communicable disease (NCD), particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors, and socioeconomic status. Less is known about the nature, magnitude, evolution and economic impact of socioeconomic inequality in NCD in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) that account for a rapidly rising share of the global NCD burden. Rising prevalence of NCD risk factors and high NCD-related death rates in LMIC point to deficiencies in prevention and management of disease. Chronic illness imposes a large economic burden on those afflicted through the cost of healthcare as well as lost earnings. This project aims to (1) measure (changes in) socioeconomic inequality in NCD and related risk factors in LMIC, (2) measure socioeconomic inequality in (under-) diagnosis and medication of NCD (risk factors) in LMIC and, if possible, evaluate the distributional impact of programs, such as risk screening and improved supply of medicines, intended to correct deficiencies in NCD management; and, (3) improve measurement of the economic burden of NCD in LMIC by going beyond the often-used measure of “catastrophic payments”.

The candidate is expected to have a (research) master degree in Economics, Econometrics, or another quantitative discipline, and to have experience with data analysis using statistical software, a strong interest in global health and excellent communication skills in English.

Remuneration is according to the PhD scales set by the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The preferred starting date is September 1, 2020. In addition to conducting research, there will be some teaching duties (~15% of your time). The student will be employed by and located in ESHPM.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major universities rankings. Erasmus University Rotterdam’s key values are daring, curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success www.eur.nl.

Health Economics at Erasmus

ESHPM and ESE together employ one of the largest collections of health economists in Europe. Health economics research at Erasmus has been ranked 2nd in Europe and 11th in the world. The two schools jointly run a Master’s in Health Economics and have a joint health economics seminar program. At ESHPM, in addition to the Health Economics group, there are health economists in Health Systems and Insurance and Health Technology Assessment. At ESE, there is a Health Economics section within the Department of Applied Economics.