Wim Thiery

This PhD position at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the improved attribution and projection of climate-related child health risks in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. As part of the EU-funded CLIMES project, the successful candidate will join the bclimate group in the Department of Water & Climate, focusing on the intersection of climate science and child health. The research aims to quantify the effects of climate variability and change on child health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa by combining epidemiological data analysis with advanced Earth system modelling. The project will involve running the Community Earth System Model (CESM) under past and future climate scenarios, with a particular emphasis on understanding the influence of sub-daily meteorological variability on heat-related health impacts in children. As a member of the CLIMES Doctoral Network, you will join a cohort of early-career researchers studying the impacts of climate extremes from public health, societal, and agricultural perspectives. The program includes a rich array of training activities and research exchanges, designed to enhance your career prospects in both academia and the private sector. You will also be affiliated with the Swedish Centre for Impacts of Climate Extremes, further broadening your research network and training opportunities. The position is based at VUB’s Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene), with supervision by Professor Wim Thiery. The project includes two international secondments: one at WASCAL (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use, Ghana) and another at ISGLOBAL (Fundación Privada Instituto de Salud Global Barcelona, Spain), providing valuable international research experience. Funding is provided through the EU Doctoral Network, covering salary and research expenses. Applicants should have a strong background in climate science, environmental science, or a related field, with experience in earth system modelling or epidemiological data analysis considered an asset. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates should be motivated to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment. For more information and to apply, visit the VUB job portal using the provided link. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in climate science, public health, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.