PhD in Health-Economic Modelling Dementia Support Technologies

Welcome to Maastricht University!
With dementia cases set to triple by 2050, your expertise in health-economic analysis is crucial to evaluating the cost-effectiveness of psychosocial and tech-based support to improve the lives of people with dementia and their informal caregivers.

This PhD project is part of the European project DEM-CAPS ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) aimed at developing and validating a health-economic modelling framework that demonstrates the value of psychosocial support interventions for dementia in collaboration with reimbursement decision-makers and patient organizations. The project addresses key issues:
1) qualitative research on stakeholder priorities (Luxembourg),
2) systematic review on surrogate outcomes for economic evaluation (Czechia),
3) observational data analysis on the validation of these outcomes (Germany),
4) integration into a health-economic model (applied to two case studies) (Netherlands), and
5) stakeholder validation (Sweden). Dissemination includes open-access publications, conferences, and training for PhD students, with direct engagement from Alzheimer Europe and its networks.

This vacancy applies to key issue 4 on model-based health-economic evaluation. Your work will directly inform decision-makers about the societal return on investment in dementia care innovations.

You will be embedded in an international and interdisciplinary consortium involving academic partners across Europe, Alzheimer Europe, and policy stakeholders. Within Maastricht University, you will work closely with experienced health economists and researchers specialised in dementia.

As a PhD candidate, you will lead data analysis using longitudinal cohorts from various European countries and apply advanced statistical methods (e.g., ordered probit regression, mixed generalized linear models) to assess disease progression, care transitions, and quality of life. You will develop and refine a health-economic R-based simulation model, integrating surrogate outcomes from psychosocial and technology-based interventions. You will make your model results accessible via user-friendly tools for stakeholders and disseminate your results through open-access publications and policy briefs.

You will receive expert guidance from leading international researchers in dementia model-based health-economic evaluation (), ensuring a world-class PhD experience with impactful mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a Master degree in epidemiology, data science or health economics. Experience in simulation modelling, regression analysis, mathematical background and (clinical) work in dementia disorders are a plus. We seek someone passionate about data analysis and simulation modelling and comfortable working in an interdisciplinary, international team. Excellent analytical and communication skills are essential, with fluency in English required.

If you are eager to contribute to innovative research that bridges technology, economics, and public health, we invite you to apply.

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and €3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.