Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Population, Health and Data Science University of St Andrews in United Kingdom

Fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship in Population, Health and Data Science jointly offered by the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR).

The project examines how social and environmental determinants shape health and socio-economic outcomes in adolescence and emerging adulthood. The research uses advanced quantitative methods, statistical modelling, and life-course approaches to study inequalities across outcomes such as housing, family formation, education, and health.

The successful candidate will spend the first 21 months at MPIDR in Rostock, Germany, then continue at the University of St Andrews, UK. The studentship is part of the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science and the Population and Health Research Group in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development.

Funding includes a gross salary of about €40,000 per year in Germany with annual bonus and support for travel, research training, and data acquisition. In the UK, it includes a maintenance grant of £19,775 per year, a £750 RTSG, and a full tuition fee waiver.

Eligibility: an excellent master’s degree (distinction or merit in the UK) or equivalent in social sciences, statistics, applied mathematics, or related fields, plus a strong interest in population research and quantitative methods.

Application deadline: 8 June 2026. Applicants should apply online for PhD Geography (Science), submit a personal statement and an academic writing sample, and follow the University of St Andrews research study application guidance.

Informal enquiries: Dr. Josephine Jackisch, Dr. Mary Abel Al Ahad, Prof. Mikko Myrskylä, and Prof. Hill Kulu.