PhD Studentship – Environmental Health & Population Ageing

Department: Population Health

Division: Medical College

Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

Project Overview

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Department of Population Health (DPH) at AKU is implementing the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)—a large, multi-site, population-based cohort study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). LOSHAK forms part of a global network of ageing studies and is designed to generate high-quality longitudinal evidence to inform policy and practice in Kenya and internationally.

Role Summary

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a flagship population-based cohort platform designed to generate high-quality evidence on ageing, health transitions, and the social and environmental determinants of later-life wellbeing in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, environmental and geospatial data, biomarker information, and contextual social and climate-related exposures, and is embedded within regional and global networks on ageing, climate, and health.

The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Public Health, Population Health, or a closely related discipline, who are at or near completion of coursework and ready to enter the research phase of their doctorate.

This studentship is ideal for a highly motivated early-career seeking to undertake a doctoral project focused on environmental and climate impacts on health in later life, including air pollution, heat exposure, built environment, and climate-related stressors in LMIC settings, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform.

The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:

·       Measurement of environmental and climate exposures relevant to ageing populations.

·       Epidemiology of environmental risks in later life (e.g., heat, air pollution, housing, neighbourhood context).

·       Understanding vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation in older adults in LMICs.

·       Integration of environmental, geospatial, and longitudinal health data.

·       Evidence to inform climate-resilient and age-friendly policy and planning.

·       The role combines rigorous academic research with hands-on engagement in large-scale cohort, field, and data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Doctoral research design

Develop a doctoral protocol aligned with LOSHAK and climate–health priorities; define exposure frameworks and analytical strategy; secure ethics and regulatory approvals

Environmental & field research

Design and implement environmental exposure components (e.g., air quality, heat, housing, neighborhood. measures); contribute to LOSHAK field operations and quality assurance (QA)

Data integration & analysis

Link environmental, geospatial, and longitudinal health data; apply epidemiological and spatial methods to assess climate and environmental risks.

Scholarly outputs

Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; disseminate findings to academic and policy audiences

Platform & team engagement

Contribute to LOSHAK platform development in environmental and climate domains; engage multidisciplinary teams (epidemiology, data science, geospatial, social science)

Professional development

Build expertise in environmental epidemiology, climate–health methods, and longitudinal analysis; complete relevant training

Required Qualifications

Registered in a PhD Programme in Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Public Health, Population Health, Geography, or related field.

Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase.

Strong grounding in epidemiological and quantitative methods.

Demonstrated interest in climate, environment, and ageing or life-course health.

Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.

Excellent academic writing and communication skill.

Relevant Experience

Experience in environmental or spatial data (e.g., air quality, climate, GIS).

Prior involvement in population-based or field research.

Familiarity with LMIC research settings.

Interest in policy-relevant climate and environmental health research.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

Demonstrates high scientific integrity and attention to detail. 

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. 

Strong communication skills and collaboration.

Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments. 

Commitment to learning and Professional Development.