Intrinsic Capacity and Healthy Ageing: Research in Population Health / Actuarial Studies

This PhD project will enable a suitable candidate to examine  healthy ageing using the World Health Organization’s concept of intrinsic capacity as a quantitative, life-course measure of the physical, psychological, and cognitive capacities that underpin functional ability. The project will develop and validate statistical models of intrinsic capacity using large Australian cohort or linked administrative datasets (e.g., 45 and Up Study, National Health Data Hub, subject to approval) to inform future health system interventions. Core aims will include constructing latent-variable measures of intrinsic capacity, modelling its trajectories over mid- and later life, and estimating how changes in intrinsic capacity predict downstream outcomes such as healthcare utilisation, functional decline, and care needs. There will also be the capacity to examine how simplified intrinsic-capacity screening tools, such as WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) assessment approach, could be used for risk stratification or early-intervention targeting in primary care settings.  The project sits at the interface of actuarial science, epidemiology, and health systems research, with opportunities to apply techniques from longitudinal modelling, latent variable measurement, and risk forecasting to inform planning of future health systems.

The PhD student will be based at the International Centre for Future Health Systems and enrolled in the PhD program in Risk and Actuarial Studies (or, if appropriate, at the School of Population Health) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. More information can be found here.

The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Senior Research Fellow Rafal Chomik and Associate Professor Katja Hanewald.

Scholarship

Stipend $39,206 per annum (2026 rate, indexed) for up to 3.5 years. Potential for faculty-based top up. International candidates receive a tuition fee scholarship. 

Eligibility

• Both domestic and international applicants will be considered
• Applicants must meet the UNSW PhD entry requirements (outlined below)

Academic Background: postgraduate degree, undergraduate degree plus one-year honours, or equivalent, with a high distinction weighted average mark (WAM or GPA) and relevant research experience. Previous degrees can be in statistics, economics, actuarial studies, or related fields.

English: IELTS-7.0 overall (min 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other subtests) or TOEFL-96 overall (min. 27 in writing, 23 in other subtests).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact Rafal Chomik (r.chomik@unsw.edu.au) and/or Katja Hanewald (k.hanewald@unsw.edu.au) and send a copy of their CV along with academic transcripts showing average marks for an initial discussion.

Application must be submitted by 31 January 2026.