The Centre for Health Economics at Monash University invites expressions of interest for a PhD scholarship covering all fees and a tax-free stipend (up to $39,000 per annum for outstanding students). The PhD research opportunity will commence in February 2021 and is associated with an Australian Research Council (ARC) program of research that aims to describe and identify the social and economic determinants of child health and cognitive development.

The importance of studying economics in a business and commerce degree is threefold. First, economic forces shape the profitability and work turnover of existing businesses and how new businesses emerge and grow. Second, understanding economics helps us understand the forces that shape our lives because the economy affects how we earn a living, how much we earn, interest rates, the availability, cost and quality of what we spend our money on and how we invest for our futures. Third, economics is a way of thinking about and analysing the world that will shape the way you think and build analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by today’s employers.

Our research strengths are in the areas of:

• Development economics
• Environmental economics
• Cultural economics and social capital
• Experimental economics
• Other applied economics

Centre for Health Economics Monash University

The Centre for Health Economics is an internationally renowned institution that contributes to academic research and public policy in the economics of health and health care. As a student in the centre you will be part of a team of academics and researchers at the cutting-edge of important international research, using the latest methods. We offer excellent research facilities including a dedicated student study space, a behavioural laboratory, high quality computing facilities, and frequent seminars. Monash is one of the top 100 universities in the world, ranked top in health economics in the Asia Pacific. The Business School contains both a leading Economics Department and a distinct Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics with an international reputation in theoretical and applied econometrics. 

The Person

The project would suit someone with a strong research background in economics, econometrics, statistics or health economics, with an interest in applying these skills to the economics of child and adolescent health and cognitive development. Applicants must have an excellent academic track record with a first class honours degree or master’s degree (with research component) in a relevant quantitative field (economics, econometrics, statistics, psychology).

Domestic and overseas applicants will be considered, provided they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission, and demonstrate excellent research capacity.

Details

Under the supervision of A/prof Nicole Black and Prof David Johnston, the project will provide a greater understanding of the early determinants of health and economic inequalities. A goal of the research project is to benefit the development of effective policies for improving educational outcomes, preventing harmful behaviours and promoting health and well being. The research will involve the application of advanced econometric methods to large administrative datasets and longitudinal data on children and adolescents. 

Some possible research topics may include:

• Inequalities in accessing health care
• Economic determinants of mental health problems
• Economic consequences of child maltreatment
• Economic hardship and child skill development

As part of the PhD program, the candidate will undergo rigorous training in advanced health economics and related studies. There are further opportunities for conference travel and the potential for a research visit to one of our international partner institutions.

Expression of interest

Interested candidates should send an expression of interest to buseco-che.hdr.enquiries@monash.edu as early as possible (deadlines are listed below and differ for domestic and international students). In your expression of interest please include your CV (with details of two referees), a copy of your academic transcripts and a 1-2 page cover letter which outlines your research skills, experience and why this PhD opportunity interests you. Those applicants who pass the expression of interest stage will be invited to submit a full scholarship application before the scholarship closing date.

PhD scholarships in Health Economics

Mid-year entry 2020 and 2021 entry

Job No.: 606700

Location: Caulfield campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $38,373 pa (tax free stipend)

If you are looking for a rigorous graduate training, and want to make a substantial research contribution to the economics of health and health care, the Centre for Health Economics at Monash University offers a fully-funded PhD in Health Economics.

Generous scholarships for outstanding candidates covering tuition fees and a stipend of up to $38,373 annually are available for suitably qualified individuals. An additional $10,000 for research or teaching assistance is also available. There are further opportunities for funded travel and the potential to study for up to one year at one of our partner institutions in Europe or USA.

PhDs are available in all areas of health economics, but we specifically encourage those within the current research programs of our experienced supervisors. For more information on who we are and what we do and the range of our current research interests, click here.

About Monash and the Centre for Health Economics

As a student at the Centre, you will be part of a team of academics and researchers at the cutting edge of important international research, using the latest methods. Our current students, recent graduates and alumni demonstrate the range, quality and opportunities offered in those programs including the costs of childhood obesity, perinatal mental health, health aid for lower-income countries.

We offer excellent research facilities including a dedicated student study space, a behavioural laboratory, high-quality computing facilities, frequent internal and external seminars, and funded conference travel. Applicants should have a good first degree in a relevant discipline and we provide coursework in health economics and related studies.

Monash is one of the top 100 universities in the world, ranked top in health economics in the Asia Pacific. The Business School contains both a leading Economics Department and a distinct Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics with an international reputation in theoretical and applied econometrics. The School of Public Health provides expertise in large epidemiological studies, multicentre clinical trials, clinical registries, evidence synthesis and health social science. Co-supervision is available and common.

We strongly encourage you to get in touch with us prior to making an application, to discuss the range of exciting projects available at the Centre. Email your enquiry to buseco-che.hdr.enquiries@monash.edu

Information about undertaking a research degree at Monash can be found at www.monash.edu/graduate-research

To Apply

There are two rounds each year for both international and domestic applicants: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply Interested candidates should send an expression of interest to buseco-che.hdr.enquiries@monash.eduat least six weeks prior to the scholarship application closing dates. Those applicants who pass the expression of interest stage will be invited to submit a full scholarship application before the subsequent scholarship closing date.

To express your interest in this opportunity please send your CV including details of two referees, a copy of your academic transcripts and grading scales and a 1-2 page cover letter which outlines your research skills, experience and why this PhD opportunity interests you to buseco-che.hdr.enquiries@monash.edu.

Deadlines for expressions of interest:

Mid-year 2020:

5 May 2020 – domestic students

2021 entry:

15 July 2020 – international students
15 September 2020 – domestic students

Closing date

Tuesday 5 May 2020 11:55 pm AEST