PhD Opportunity:Food Policy Modelling to Inform Population Health and Health Equity

Our mission is to improve the health of millions of people worldwide.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time PhD candidate to undertake research on food policy modelling and population health.

This PhD project offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of global food and nutrition policy research. You will contribute to the evaluation of high‑impact policy interventions—ranging from mandatory nutrient limits in foods (such as sodium and trans‑fat regulations) and salt‑substitution strategies, to front‑of‑package nutrition labelling, Food‑is‑Medicine initiatives, and fiscal measures including taxes on ultra‑processed foods and subsidies that promote healthier diets. Our team’s prior work in these areas (examples can be found here, and here.) has been widely cited and has directly shaped policy decisions in Australia and internationally. The project will draw on globally comparable datasets and employ advanced, policy‑relevant modelling approaches to examine nutrition policies both within Australia and across diverse international contexts, with a particular emphasis on low‑ and middle‑income countries. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates passionate about generating evidence that informs real‑world policy and advances population health.

The research program will involve three phases of research:

1. Development, adaptation, or extension of quantitative food policy models;
2. Evaluation and synthesis of model inputs;
3. Estimation of health impacts, health equity effects, costs, and cost-effectiveness of food policy interventions;
4. Translation of findings into peer-reviewed publications and policy-relevant outputs.

The research will involve a range of quantitative methods, including systematic review and meta-analysis, secondary analysis of large national and international datasets, population health modelling, and cost-effectiveness and health equity analyses.

Supervision Team

• Primary: Professor Jason Wu (The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney)
• Secondary: Dr Matti Marklund (The George Institute for Global Health, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)
• Secondary: Dr Megan Gow (The George Institute for Global Health , UNSW Sydney)

Key resources and expertise relevant to the PhD project include:

• In addition to research training by the primary supervisors, the student will have opportunity to interact with a diverse research team with expertise in nutrition science, food policy, epidemiology, clinical trials, and implementation science.
• Extensive international research connections to academics, government departments, and food policy advocates across >20 countries; and proven funding success from global research funders including Resolve to Save Lives and the World Health Organization.
• The supervisory team will support the student to apply for a PhD scholarship and enrolment through the University of New South Wales, where the student will have access to its world-class post-graduate student training infrastructure, as well as in-house student support team at The George Institute.

Who are we Looking for?

Candidates must have a strong interest in food policy, nutrition, and population health, including policy evaluation in both Australian and international contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They will be enthusiastic, well-organised, and have excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by previous academic work and, where applicable, publications in peer-reviewed journals.

An ability to work autonomously and to be self-directed in learning, as well as to contribute to team activities and discussions, is necessary for the successful completion of this thesis. Professional experience in public health, nutrition, epidemiology, health economics, or policy evaluation would be an advantage. Prior experience in quantitative analysis, population modelling, and use of R, as well as scientific writing and publications experience, will be well regarded.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a relevant first- or second-class Honours degree, or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component, and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent research experience.

Award Amount

The selected candidate will be supported to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. A Top-Up Scholarship of $3,000 per annum will be made available to the selected candidate, contingent on successful award of the UNSW RTP scholarship.

The successful candidate will also receive an annual learning and development fund that can be used to support conference travel, coursework, and other professional development opportunities.

Application Guide

Applications should include a cover letter, current CV, copy of academic transcripts, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Candidates are recommended to highlight in their cover letter:

• Evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria - please see Admission Requirements section of Medicine (The George Institute for Global Health) UNSW handbook
• Relevant professional or research experience
• Evidence of scientific writing skills
• Evidence of prior quantitative or modelling research experience, including use of R
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Other applicable indicators of excellence

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 01 March 2026

Visit our website for more on The George: https://www.georgeinstitute.org/

About the George 

The George Institute for Global Health (The George) is 700+ employees around the world and projects in over 40 countries all focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide.  

As a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to: 

• Find better treatments for the world's biggest health problems 
• Transform primary health care to support better health for more people 
• Harness the power of communities, governments and markets to improve health 

We pride ourselves with our 6 core values: excellence, integrity, can-do approach, creativity, impact, and humanitarian commitment. 

Our big and bold mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide needs a diverse and innovative team to deliver it. So we foster a dynamic, inclusive and flexible workplace where each individual can bring their best selves to work.  

We value workplace diversity and encourage applications from people living with disability; women; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; mature-aged people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  

Why The George? 

We are committed to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining the best people in their fields to conduct and support our innovative and highest quality research programs. 

Take advantage of our rewards you may enjoy as part of The George team.  

• Learning and career development opportunities 
• YourFlex arrangements e.g. start/finish times, purchase leave, location 
• A global, diverse, inclusive team committed to making impact