Post-Doctoral Researcher, Cork University Business School

3.5 Years, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post

Position Summary

The Department of Economics, Cork University Business School (CUBS) in University College Cork (UCC) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated researcher in economics / epidemiology with exceptional econometric skills, a proven use of secondary datasets and a knowledge of economic evaluation techniques in health systems. This is a Horizon Europe position for a project entitled “Tackling Micronutrient Malnutrition and Hidden Hunger to Improve Health in the EU”. The post will involve working with a multi-disciplinary team of economists, epidemiologists, and food scientists. The researcher will be involved in both aims of the project. There are, first, to estimate the economic burden of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe and second, to estimate the cost-effectiveness of candidate dietary strategies proposed to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies.

For the first aim, conceptual and empirical approaches to measuring and valuing economic burden will be reviewed, and an estimation strategy will be chosen and implemented.  The candidate be involved in a comprehensive review of literature and datasets, will use the Global Burden of Disease to attribute diseases to micronutrient deficiencies using a population-attributable fraction formula and thereby estimate the economic burden of micronutrient deficiencies. Differential effects across vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and older people, will also be estimated. Uncertainty will be quantified. For the second aim, candidate dietary strategies to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies, identified by food scientists and spatial modelling experts, will be costed and health outcomes will be estimated. The supervisory team includes Dr Brendan McElroy, UCC and Dr Lee-Ann Burke, UCC.

The ideal candidate will have excellent quantitative skills and a proven track record of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.  They will have a strong understanding of costing and outcome measurement as it applies to health status. They will be comfortable with learning and applying new analytical methods and proposing potential solutions to the dilemmas that occur as part of the research process.

Hidden Hunger Project Synopsis

Micronutrient deficiencies, known as 'hidden hunger,' present a significant economic challenge globally. WHO estimate that they affect over 70% of the European population. Due to uncertainty around this percentage, true prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies will be quantified. Comprehensive economic data on micronutrient deficiencies are crucial for informed discussions on mitigation strategies. Mitigation strategies will apply across both the entire European population, and nutritionally vulnerable sub-groups affected by life stages, social inequality, exclusion or poverty

Project Title: Zero_HiddenHunger_EU

Post Duration: 3.5 years

Salary:  €42,781 - €49,177 (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Brendan McElroy, Lecturer, Economics, Cork University Business School. Email: [email protected]  OR   Dr Lee-Ann Burke, Lecturer, Economics, Cork University Business School, Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Monday, 29th April 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER