Health economics of new diagnostic interventions to optimise the management of infectious disease

This project would suit someone with a strong interest in health economics, economics, econometrics, or statistics, with experience in global health or public health research. The successful PhD scholar will be based in the Health Economics and Health Systems Group in the Surveillance and Evaluation Research Program at the Kirby Institute. One of the aims of the program is to generate evidence around new diagnostic interventions to optimise the management of infectious diseases. This PhD will be linked to research programs currently underway, and you will be part of a team of academics and researchers at the cutting-edge of important research around the application of new diagnostics. Potential projects are in measuring health outcomes related to the use of Point of Care testing in key populations in Australia, or around new diagnostics in antenatal care offered through community health care centres and new technologies for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Aisa. Possible research topics could include cost-effectiveness analysis and measuring inequities in social, economic and health outcomes, understanding health systems readiness, and/or health financing to support universal health coverage. 

Eligibility: Domestic and International applicants.

Primary supervisor: Dr Caroline Watts and Dr Qinglu Cheng

Value breakdown: $38,438 per annum (2025 rate) for 3.5 years, and an extra single 10,000 as top up

How to Apply: Please email Dr Caroline Watts at cwatts@kirby.unsw.edu.au or Dr Qinglu Chen at qcheng@kirby.unsw.edu.au by 9^th May with the subject “Health economics PhD Scholarship” and attach:

1. your CV,
2. academic transcripts,
3. two referees,
4. a brief cover letter, and
5. a 300-word (max) research description, outlining your proposed research topic or area of interest and significance.

The eligible candidate will need to apply for both admission and a central scholarship through UNSW by the central scholarship deadline. If successful for a central scholarship, then a top up scholarship of $10,000 per annum may be available. People who face barriers to higher degree research are encouraged to apply.