PhD Student in health economics, epidemiology, health services research, public health, and/or migration

The fixed-term position ends November 30, 2028 with the possibility of extension.

We are looking for a doctoral candidate who will work on a large-scale interdisciplinary research project of the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Leibniz University Hannover that connects the fields of economics, migration, medicine (psychology), and epidemiology (“Health Equality, Migration and Diversity: Data Driven Assessment of Disparities, Digitization and Diversity in Prevention, Medical Care and Nursing Care in Lower Saxony”, HUMAN-LS).

Within the project, researchers and doctoral students will investigate the relevance of diversity, gender, and migration for the need, access, and use of health services in seven subprojects. The overarching goal of the research project is to provide a comprehensive overview of the extent and causes of healthcare gaps and to develop solutions for overcoming them. A particular focus is on ethnic, cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic diversity. Affected target groups and social stakeholders will be involved in the entire research process. A comprehensive support program with methodological working groups and integration into national and international networks will be developed for doctoral students. Further information on the research project can be found here: https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/aktuelles/online-aktuell/details/news/39-millionen-euro-fuer-projekt-zu-gesundheitsleistungen-fuer-menschen-mit-migrationshintergrund   

We are particularly looking for scientific support for the following three sub-projects:

• Sub-project 1 - Health-related inequalities: Analysis of health-related inequalities and gaps in care among people with a migration background using large secondary data sources such as claims data and data from the NAKO health study (PD Dr. Jan Zeidler).
• Sub-project 2 – Care quality: Randomized field experiment to improve care quality from a diversity-oriented perspective of nursing home residents (Prof. Dr. Arndt Reichert, Prof. Dr. Annika Herr).
• Sub-project 3 – Mental health: Analysing inequalities and specific needs of LGBTQIA* people as well as their physical and mental health in cooperation with psychologists and psychiatrists at the MHH. This position also includes involvement in teaching (Prof. Dr. Annika Herr).

Your role 

• The tasks include the independent, scientific conduct of quantitative (and possibly qualitative) data analyses in the HUMAN-LS joint project.
• You will be responsible for data preparation, validation and data analysis.
• You will present the results to a national and international audience of experts and prepare them for the public.
• You will write scientific publications based on the generated results.
• You will cooperate with scientists from the institute and the joint project.
• You will have access to interdisciplinary training opportunities and actively participate in the doctoral programme.
• The research work provides the basis for preparing for a doctorate.

Who are we looking for?

You will support our highly qualified project team with your independent scientific expertise. Prerequisite for employment is a completed university degree (diploma/master's degree) in economics, health economics, health sciences/public health, health services research, psychology, medicine (epidemiology), migration, or a comparable field of study.

We also expect the following qualifications:

• Excellent statistical knowledge and initial experience in analysing large datasets are required.
• Initial experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or Stata) is required.
• Applicants should have an interest in scientific work and publishing, an independent and flexible working style, team spirit, and reliability.
• Excellent candidates will demonstrate excellent social, personal, and communication skills.
• Excellent German and English language skills are required (fluent).

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities. 

Why join us?

Doctoral students are involved in interdisciplinary working groups that focus on key methodological and content-related aspects of the HUMAN-LS project, enabling in-depth exploration and development of the field. An international exchange program promotes integration into an international network and the further development of methods based on highest international standards, as well as the discussion of results with experienced international colleagues. Within the framework of a doctoral program, selected courses in economics, quantitative methods, public health, psychology, and epidemiology can be taken at the participating universities.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Additional information

If you have any questions, please contact job@ihe.uni-hannover.de. Please submit your application with a cover letter, CV, certificates and a selected scientific paper or thesis. Please specify at least two sub-projects (“1. Health-related inequalities”, “2. Care quality”, “3. Mental health”) with a clear indication of your preference order by August 11, 2025 in electronic form (one PDF file) to

Email: job@ihe.uni-hannover.de (Ms. Andrea Waespi)

or by post to: 
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie (IHE)
Prof. Dr. Annika Herr 
Königsworther Platz 1, 30167 Hannover

http://www.uni-hannover.de/en/jobs   

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