PhD in Neonatal Intensive Care, Child Outcomes, and Family Health Curtin University in Australia

PhD opportunity at Curtin University, Australia in neonatal intensive care, child outcomes, family health, and health economics.

The project, led by Marshall Makate (Senior Lecturer and Associate Director, Graduate Research), examines the value of intensive care for high-risk newborns in Western Australia. It focuses on babies born around the 1,500 gram birthweight threshold, using linked population records to estimate the effect of additional neonatal care on survival, hospital use, costs, later health, and schooling outcomes. The study also explores whether benefits extend beyond the newborn to maternal health and siblings’ school outcomes.

This opportunity is well suited to a candidate with strong quantitative skills and interests in economics, econometrics, biostatistics, epidemiology, causal analysis, and linked administrative data. Experience with Stata or R is an advantage. The project uses Western Australian linked records covering births, hospital, emergency department, death, and school data, offering rigorous training in applied econometric methods and policy-relevant health research.

The position is open to domestic and international applicants. The preferred candidate may be considered for an RTP scholarship. An internship may also be arranged through industry and health-system partners such as the Western Australia Country Health Service and Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Application window: Expressions of Interest are open from 1 July to 31 July 2026. Interested candidates should review the project details, complete the Expression of Interest form, and contact Marshall Makate directly if needed.