PhD in Climate-related Health Impacts on Children

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a PhD position focused on 'Climate-related health impacts on children.' This opportunity is part of the EU-funded CLIMES project and is hosted by the bclimate research group within the Department of Water & Climate. The project aims to improve the attribution and projection of climate-related child health risks, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where children are highly vulnerable to extreme heat and climate variability. The research will combine epidemiological data analysis with advanced Earth system modelling, including running the Community Earth System Model (CESM) for past and future climate scenarios. As a PhD candidate, you will join a dynamic, international environment at VUB's Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus. You will be supervised by Professor Wim Thiery and collaborate with a cohort of early-career researchers across Europe, gaining access to a rich program of training activities and research exchanges. The position includes two in-person international secondments at WASCAL (Ghana) and ISGLOBAL (Spain), and affiliation with the Swedish Centre for Impacts of Climate Extremes. The research integrates climate science, data science, risk assessment, and social sciences, enhancing career prospects in both academia and the private sector. The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation. The grant is linked to government scales and includes benefits such as telework allowance or internet fee, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, attractive campus restaurant prices, sports facilities, and more. The starting date is flexible, ideally around September 2026. Applicants must hold an MSc degree in a relevant field (climate science, environmental science/engineering, geography, hydrology, physics, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related), have experience with large datasets and quantitative analysis, and possess programming skills (Python, R, or Matlab). Good English proficiency is required. The VUB values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Non-EEA nationals must meet permit and residence requirements. To apply, submit your motivation letter (max. 1 page), CV (including programming experience), diploma, and optionally your latest transcript of records via the VUB job portal by 22 March 2026. The selection process includes an initial file review and a job interview. For questions about the position, contact Professor Wim Thiery at [email protected].