Health Economics PhD Position: the Private Costs of Living with HIV

The Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE) and the faculty of medicine at the University of Amsterdam seeks applicants for a PhD position in quantitative health economics.

The Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE) and the faculty of medicine’s HIV Group at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), are collaborating to recruit applicants for a joint PhD position that will focus on the private costs of living with HIV. Data from 98% of persons with HIV in the Netherlands is collected at the HIV monitoring foundation (stichting hiv monitoring; SHM). Despite access to combination antiretroviral treatment which has transformed HIV from a life-threatening condition into a chronic illness, living with HIV still affects people’s quality of life. People with HIV often report lower physical and mental health, which can also impact their social and economic well-being. Most studies conducted in this area however have been small-scale and lack control groups.

The aim of this research project is to quantify the impact of HIV contraction. To achieve this goal, we will primarily rely on administrative records from SHM, Statistics Netherlands (CBS), and health insurance companies. These sources will provide us with socio-economic outcomes for 98% of people living with HIV in the Netherlands who have given their consent for SHM data collection. By comparing trends in health care consumption and socio-economic outcomes before and after diagnosis with a well-matched control group of people without HIV , we will be able to analyze the impact of contracting HIV on a person’s life. Additionally, we plan to use the same methodology to evaluate a policy aimed at early detection of HIV.

We are looking for an individual who has a strong background in economics and statistics and has a passion for doing research with societal relevance that spans across disciplines. Candidates should have a master’s degree or have completed the first year of an economics research master. The position is based in the Amsterdam School of Economics is under supervision of promotors prof. Menno Pradhan (ASE) and prof. Marc van der Valk (AUMC) and co-promotor prof. Wendy Janssens (VU). The position is also linked to the newly created Amsterdam Research Center for Health Economics (ARCHE).

Tasks:

During the four-year PhD trajectory, you will follow PhD level coursework, plan and conduct your PhD research and be involved in the teaching of the school’s programs. The PhD candidate will aim to generate research that can be published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals. Starting date of the position: preferably August 2023.

We request PhD students not enrolled in a research master to obtain 9‐12 ECTS (3‐4 courses) of (advanced) master program courses. These can be chosen from the advanced courses provided by the different graduate schools, such as, for example, the Tinbergen Institute. If need be, these courses are paid for by ASE‐RI. No credit is given for courses obtained previously.

Our offer

The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link .

The employment contract will be for 4 years (depending on prior education) with an initial period of 18 months, with an intermediate evaluation after 18 months and a possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total 4 years). End-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range from €2,541 in the first year to €3,247 in the last year. The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer

• A function in which your own initiative and input is strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of Amsterdam.

About the Organisation

The University of Amsterdam is a top 100 university in the THE and QS rankings. It offers an inspiring, collaborative and international research environment right in the heart of Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam School of Economics is among the top economics research institutes in Europe. The School has a strong focus on producing outstanding research and world-class teaching, and is highly active in international academic networks. Its researchers actively participate in the teaching and research activities of the Tinbergen Institute , the graduate school of the ASE. The ASE is known for its ambitious and supportive culture with ample opportunity for personal development in an attractive international work environment.
The vacancy is within the Microeconomics section of the ASE, which is responsible for teaching most microeconomics related courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. The section produces internationally acclaimed research and covers three different research programs: Experimental & Political Economics (CREED), Human Capital, and Markets & Organisations. The position will be placed in the research program that best fits the successful candidate’s research interests.

Stichting hiv monitoring (SHM) was founded following the successful AIDS Therapy Evaluation in the Netherlands study (ATHENA). The research study was set up soon after the introduction of combination therapy in 1996 and prospectively collects data from that date onwards of people with HIV in the Netherlands that gave consent to do so. SHM yearly publishes the Dutch HIV monitoring report in collaboration with HIV treating physicians and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. SHM has an large (inter)national network of collaborators with whom SHM publishes 25-40 papers per year in peer reviewed medical journals. SHM has a license to perform analyses on CBS data and has built an infrastructure within the CBS environment on which the candidate can perform the proposed analyses.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact: Menno Pradhan ([email protected] ) and or Marc van der Valk [email protected] ) for question relating the content of the research.

Wilma de Kruijf ([email protected] ) for questions relating to the procedural matters.

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by May 21, 2023. You may apply online by using the link below.

The application should be in pdf and should include

• a curriculum vitae;
• An academic writing sample, for example your Masters thesis.
• a letter of motivation including:
  • a description of your primary research interests;
  • names and email addresses of referees in your motivation letter.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview and may be asked to present their (thesis) research work.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.