PhD student position in Climate Epidemiology and Public Health

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Bern (ISPM) performs research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). Groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research in the fields of clinical epidemiology, social and behavioural health, biostatistics, and international and environmental health. The ISPM is highly reputed for its expertise in health effects of environmental exposures, the spread of infectious disease, and the health of vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Bern (ISPM) performs research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health (). Groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research in the fields of clinical epidemiology, social and behavioural health, biostatistics, and international and environmental health. The ISPM is highly reputed for its expertise in health effects of environmental exposures, the spread of infectious disease, and the health of vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.

The Climate Epidemiology and Public Health Group, led by Prof. Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera, addresses the impacts of climate, climate change and related environmental hazards on health with particular focus on the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies, and quantification of health impacts using novel methods in climate epidemiology. The PhD position is embedded in the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR) Climate, Cities, and Health Cluster, a large interdisciplinary research platform that brings together natural sciences, epidemiology, social sciences, climate modelling, governance, and communication to investigate how climate change and urban environmental challenges affect human health and to develop sustainable adaptation strategies that address climate risks and promote equitable societal resilience.

Within this PhD project, you will investigate how community-based interventions can reduce heat vulnerability and protect populations from the health impacts of heatwaves in the Canton of Bern. In particular, the research will focus on co‑designing, implementing, and evaluating locally relevant interventions in close collaboration with cantonal stakeholders responsible for heat action plans. Potential interventions include climate shelters, structured check‑in systems during heatwaves, intergenerational support networks, and targeted assistance with daily tasks.

You will have the possibility to leverage the BEready cohort, a unique household‑based, multi‑generational population study in the Canton of Bern, to assess the uptake, feasibility, and short‑term impacts of these interventions on well‑being and heat‑related outcomes. Your work will contribute actionable evidence to inform and strengthen local heat adaptation strategies. You will be enrolled at the Climate Science Graduate School of Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern.

• Close interaction with researchers of the OCCR Climate, Cities, and Health Cluster, and with the hosting team.
• Design of stakeholder engagement and intervention co‑creation activities.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of heat‑related health interventions, together with the research team and local communities.
• Contribute to third‑party funding application, together with the supervisory team.
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Participation in co‑creation workshops with relevant stakeholders.
• Present own work at national and international conferences and…