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University of KwaZulu-Natal

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2 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Modelling Health Impacts of Sustainable Food Transitions in Southern Africa University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

2 fully funded PhD positions for 3 years. Competitive stipend is provided, and project/fieldwork travel is covered.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

South Africa

University

University of KwaZulu-Natal

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Keywords

Computer Science
Epidemiology
Environmental Science
Biology
Mathematics
Nutrition
Salud Pública
Food Insecurity
Economics
Statistics
Cambio Climático

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About this position

University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) is advertising 2 fully funded PhD positions for 2026 under the CTAFS / SHEFS-SA programme, with joint supervision involving UKZN, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK), and Harare Institute of Technology (Zimbabwe). The cohort spans South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the UK.

The project theme is Modelling Health Impacts of Sustainable Food Transitions in Southern Africa. Two research directions are highlighted: (1) health-impact modelling of food interventions, including life-table models to test options such as fruit and vegetable school meals, neglected and underutilised crops, and dietary shifts, with outcomes such as disease burden, mortality, life expectancy, and a new model for micronutrient deficiencies; and (2) climate, food-price inflation, and food insecurity, modelling pathways from climate to production and supply, food prices, food insecurity, vulnerability mapping, affordability of healthy diets, and resilience policies.

This opportunity is aimed at strong quantitative candidates from Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Epidemiology, or Public Health. Required or preferred skills include R, Python, MATLAB, modelling experience, and comfort working with large datasets. The post explicitly says no food background is needed.

Funding is described as fully funded, with a competitive stipend, project/fieldwork travel covered, and a 3-year duration.

To apply, email [email protected] with a motivation letter, a 1-page concept note (problem, objectives, methods), a CV with publications, and transcripts. Deadline: 30 September 2026.

Funding details

2 fully funded PhD positions for 3 years. Competitive stipend is provided, and project/fieldwork travel is covered.

What's required

Applicants should have a strong quantitative background in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Epidemiology, or Public Health. Skills in R, Python, or MATLAB, modelling experience, and ability to work with large datasets are required. No food background is needed. Application materials requested include a motivation letter, a 1-page concept note outlining problem, objectives, and methods, a CV with publications, and transcripts.

How to apply

Email [email protected] with a motivation letter, a 1-page concept note, CV with publications, and transcripts. Include your proposed problem, objectives, and methods in the concept note.

More information can be found here

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