Marshall Makate

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.