Postdoc on HARMONIA: Harmonised Approach for Measuring Mortality Inequalities among Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The Danish Centre for Health Economics (DaCHE) and the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), University of Southern Denmark, seek to appoint one full-time postdoc as part of the Harmonised Approach for Measuring Mortality Inequalities among Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (HARMONIA) project. The PI is Associate Professor Angela Chang. The starting date for the position is 1 January 2025 or earlier. The position is available for a fixed term of 36 months.

Project background

As set forward in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 10.3, reducing inequalities within populations is a key global priority. Despite the fact that 80% of the world’s adult population live in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), we have little knowledge on the levels, trends, or drivers of adult mortality inequality, defined as the differences in mortality rates between a nation’s rich and poor based on a measure of socioeconomic status. With the SDG deadlines approaching in 2030, data and methods to monitor mortality inequalities in LMIC are urgently needed. Consequently, studying mortality inequality is high on the public health research agenda. Due to methodological and data challenges, there is a large knowledge gap in adult mortality inequality in LMIC. This contrasts the large number of studies on adult mortality inequality in high- income countries and child mortality in LMIC. HARMONIA will address this research gap by systematically measuring the levels and trends and identify drivers of adult mortality inequalities in LMIC. HARMONIA will apply three innovative methods to data sources previously not utilised in systematically measuring adult mortality inequalities. One of the approaches will be the small area analysis using small area estimates of income and health. Specifically, we will use small-area income data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and combine it with small-area mortality data from various data sources. 

About the position 

The successful candidate will be embedded in DaCHE and DIAS, two vibrant and international research communities at SDU. The postdoc will interact regularly with international collaborators at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Erasmus School of Economics, University of Bergen, and Harvard University. They will also have the opportunity to have short-term research visits at one of these collaborator institutions. The PI and departments will support the postdoc’s pursuit of external funding if interested. 

Key responsibilities include the following

• Leading the work on small area analyses, including collecting and analyzing datasets, and providing provide research outputs that feed into other work packages
• Writing research papers targeted at internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals
• Disseminating research results through research papers, academic blogs, international conferences, workshops, and outreach activities
• Participating in regular project meetings
• Supporting the PI in project-related matters, for example contributing to the organization of events and activities within the projects, and helping with future grant applications
• Participating in the intellectual life at SDU, including discussion groups, seminar workshops, and events.

Selection criteria

• A PhD degree in economics, health economics, epidemiology, demography, or a related quantitative discipline
• Experience conducting small area analyses or geospatial analyses 
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and have strong communication and writing skills
• Excellent programming skills in R or Python 
• Experience working on global or regional studies is desired  

Information

Enquiries about the project and the position can be addressed to the Principal Investigator, Angela Chang, email: [email protected]. Enquiries before applications are highly encouraged. 

For general questions regarding housing, taxes etc., the SDU’s International Staff Office can assist - see link.

Application, salary, etc.

Appointment to the position requires a PhD or equivalent and will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

Researchers who have not worked in Denmark before taking up this position may be eligible for a special tax scheme that reduces Danish income tax for up to 7 years. You can find more information about this tax scheme here. 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now".

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• A detailed CV
• A cover letter mentioning how your profile would fit the projects (max. 2 pages)
• A research proposal mentioning ideas for how to contribute to the research projects (max. 2 pages)
• PhD degree diploma
• A complete list of publications, indicating which publications are most relevant for the position
• Up to 3 of the most relevant publications (including unpublished work). Please upload a pdf for each publication. 

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected] 

Only applications submitted online and written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

Incomplete applications will neither be considered nor evaluated.

Shortlisting will be used in the recruitment process. 

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. 

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.