Socioeconomic inequalities in health are an important and complex public health problem. Given the dynamic web of factors involved in the emergence and persistence of these inequalities, a complex systems approach can offer significant potential for better understanding of and finding ways to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health. Therefore, in this VIDI project, we apply a complex systems perspective for better understanding how socioeconomic inequalities in health in the Netherlands emerge as a result of interrelated elements at different levels, including feedback loops and nonlinearity. Two PhD candidates have been working on the project for 3 years, and we are currently looking for a postdoc or junior researcher to complement the team in the final stages of the project. 

The VIDI project consists of several sub studies. More specifically, a first version of a conceptual systems model has been developed based on a systematic literature review. Further, a proof-of-concept Agent-Based Model has been developed focused on socioeconomic inequalities in obesity. The postdoc or junior researcher is expected to further develop these preliminary models -in collaboration with stakeholders- into models that can inform policy making.

Postdoc’s/junior researcher’s activities within the project:

We are looking for a researcher who can carry out both, or one of these activities:

• Further develop the literature-based draft conceptual systems model into a conceptual model that represents the complex system driving socioeconomic inequalities in health. This will be done by applying participatory techniques (e.g., group model building) that involve stakeholders, including experts, policy makers at national and local levels, researchers, and people from low socioeconomic groups.
• Further refine and improve the proof-of-concept Agent-Based Model, and -after consultation of stakeholders- calculate effects of different policy measures on socioeconomic inequalities in health. The model will also provide insights to policy makers and other stakeholders to understand the complex web of elements involved in how socioeconomic inequalities in health emerge in the Netherlands and help to gain a systemic, qualitative, and quantitative understanding of effective leverage points for interventions at different levels of the system. The postdoc or junior researcher will apply participatory methods to involve stakeholders in the model development.

If you deem yourself qualified to carry out one of these two activities, but not both, please do not hesitate to apply, as there is some freedom within the project to accommodate the activities to your skills.

We are looking for a postdoc or junior researcher with:

• PhD or MSc in Systems Engineering and Simulation, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics; or with a PhD or MSc in Health Sciences, Public Health, or similar field;
• Experience with Agent-Based Modelling (or similar types of modelling);
• Experience with co-designing models and developing causal loop diagrams with stakeholders;
• Enthusiasm to work in a participatory manner with stakeholders;
• Ability to work as an independent researcher within a wider research team;
• Ability to perform and publish high quality research;
• Good communication skills, both in Dutch and English.

We offer a temporary position (0.8-1.0 FTE) for 12-16 months in an international working environment. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between
€ 3,098,- and € 4,670,- (scale 9/10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

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