PhD Student in Medical Sciences - Health Economics

Are you interested in working with health economics, with with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD Student in Medical Sciences - Health Economics position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences is a department within the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University. The department currently has about 200 employees, and an additional 150 researchers are affiliated with the department. The activities consist of 10 research groups, and education is conducted at all levels. 

Uppsala Health Economics (UHE) is a specialized unit of health economists, at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, at Uppsala University. Our team has expertise in applying health economic methods to health-related questions, including trial-based and model-based economic evaluations and using register data to evaluate the impact of health services on health and economic outcomes. Our health economists lead several projects across different fields including Mental Health, Child Health, Public Health, Precision Medicine and Innovation in Healthcare. Our approach is grounded in collaboration, working closely with clinicians to reach the best outcomes. We work with both national and international partners. engage in commissioned work for healthcare providers, municipalities, and independent foundations.

We are currently seeking a PhD student in health economics to work in the project “The economic impact and value of prevention of eating disorders in Sweden”.

Duties

Eating disorders are among the most severe and disabling mental health conditions, with significant consequences for both physical and psychological health as well as work capacity. Despite this, there is a lack of Swedish research on the economic consequences of eating disorders and the value of preventive interventions. The aim of the project is to increase understanding of the economic effects of eating disorders and how these can be reduced through prevention in a Swedish context.

The project includes three main areas of work (work packages):

Estimate the economic burden of eating disorders in Sweden by analysing population-based data from the National Quality Register for Eating Disorder Treatment linked to other Swedish national registers. Examine the relationship between eating disorders and work performance using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Conduct cost-effectiveness analyses of universal and targeted preventive interventions using decision modelling and registry data.

The work will include analyses of register data, economic modelling, and synthesis of existing literature. The project is carried out in collaboration with researchers at Uppsala University and other Swedish universities, as well as with an advisory group consisting of policymakers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience of eating disorders.

Requirements

To be eligible, the applicant must have:

Completed courses corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced (master’s) level, or equivalent qualifications relevant to the field. A master’s degree in health economics, public health, or an equivalent field. Documented experience in research or participation in research projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience in data analysis, strong abilities in scientific writing and communication, and the capacity to quickly learn new research methods. We are looking for someone who enjoys working both independently and collaboratively, who is creative, curious, and eager to contribute to a positive and team-oriented research environment.

Additional qualifications

It is considered an advantage if you have:

Experience working with Swedish register data or other quantitative data sources. Experience with health economic evaluations or decision-analytic modelling. Skills in statistical software such as STATA, R, or similar. Experience conducting systematic literature reviews. Basic knowledge of the Swedish language. Background in medical science

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines. 

Uppsala University's rules and guidelines

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Filipa Sampaio, filipa.sampaio@uu.se

In this recruitment we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when making your application. The answers will be used as a part of the selection process.

Please submit your application by 21 November 2025, UFV-PA  2025/3425

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.