3.5 Year PhD Studentships – UCL, Institute of Health Informatics

A 3.5-year teaching PhD Studentship in infectious disease epidemiology and health economic modelling is available within the Institute of Health Informatics. The studentship will commence from 1 October 2026, under the supervision of Dr Rebecca Baggaley and Dr Johan Thygesen.
The PhD project

Project Title: Evidence to inform targeted infection testing strategies for migrants to high-income countries

The Institute of Health Informatics is looking to recruit a PhD studentship to join our welcoming and vibrant Institute. The purpose of this studentship is to generate evidence to support a wider programme of work aimed at designing a primary care-based targeted testing approach for key infections (tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) among migrants to high income countries. The student will contribute to this programme by undertaking some or all of the following activities:

• Adapt existing health economic models of infection screening (HIV, HBV, HCV and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) testing to identify individuals with latent TB or prior exposure to TB) to evaluate the cost effectiveness of approaches to infection testing of migrants in primary care. This may include:

o assessing the cost effectiveness of the COMBAT ID study and exploring its generalisability to other UK regions;
o evaluating the yield, cost-effectiveness and cases missed from alternative targeted testing approaches based on risk factors for infection;
o examining how different GP clinic eligibility criteria for national migrant testing programmes (e.g., HIV prevalence strata, proportion of late HIV diagnoses) influence their effectiveness and cost effectiveness;
o analysing the cost effectiveness of alternative IGRA testing strategies for unaccompanied asylum seeking children who present for a new arrival health check in Switzerland.

• Update estimates of the number of chronic HBV cases among foreign born populations in EU/EEA countries.

• Build on previous work linking administrative immigration data with electronic health records to explore healthcare utilisation related to HIV, TB, HBV and HCV among migrants in the UK.

This position presents a unique opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research team working across epidemiology, health economics and qualitative research. The student’s modelling and analytical work will directly inform the co-design of the targeted testing approach, helping shape the testing strategies to be explored in the feasibility study and contributing to an integrated programme of research.

Beyond the research-focused deliverables outlined above, which will form the basis of the candidate's PhD thesis, the successful applicant will also contribute to the development, delivery and support of teaching across our two institute programmes. Tasks may include enhancing teaching quality by creating new and reviewing existing materials, assisting with teaching as a postgraduate teaching assistant, engaging with our highly motivated students through thesis supervision or co-supervision, as well as engaging with and helping support other teaching-related events at the Institute.

This PhD position offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The student will receive regular guidance and support from their project supervisors as well as from an independent thesis committee. The candidate will be supported in all aspects of teaching by our collaborative and supportive teaching team. In addition, the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme (DSDP) is designed to help doctoral researchers develop skills for research, professional development and employment. As part of Dr Baggaley’s fellowship, there is provision for further training and for conference attendance. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, starting 1 October 2026.

This Studentship presents a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research at and be a part of the research community, being an integral part of the exciting and thriving research team.

Personal Specification

The successful candidate will have:
• a Masterʼs degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, public health, health economics, applied statistics, biomedical sciences, health services research, or a medical degree with relevant experience, or equivalent professional experience.
• demonstrated proficiency in quantitative methods and experience with programming tools such as R or Python. An interest in acquiring new data science and programming skills is required.
• experience in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, decision analytic modelling or other modelling techniques.
• a keen interest in teaching and academic development.
• an excellent academic track record, with scientific curiosity and a commitment to rigorous research.
• strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• experience of working in a team environment.
• experience of working independently.

In addition, the following experience would be helpful, but not essential:
• experience or background in health economics.
• experience of teaching.
• experience with project management, including coordinating tasks, managing timelines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve research objectives.
• demonstrated adaptability, curiosity, problem-solving skills and leadership capabilities.

Eligibility

This studentship provides a starting stipend of £23,805 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate.

Only students eligible for UK/Home fees status, can apply.
NB: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. Further information on Brexit and the definitions for fee status assessment can be found on the UCL website and also the UKCISA website (Higher Education: Definitions for fee status assessment).

Application

Enquiries regarding the post can be made to: Dr Rebecca Baggaley (r.baggaley@ucl.ac.uk).

To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1-sided A4 cover letter to: Dr Rebecca Baggaley (r.baggaley@ucl.ac.uk).