The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is offering two fully funded PhD studentships focused on African health systems, diagnostics, and health economics. The opportunity is part of the African Health, Economics and Diagnostics (AHEaD) Project, a major research initiative funded by Wellcome. These prestigious doctoral positions will begin in September 2026 and are hosted by LSE Health and the Department of Health Policy. The programme aims to advance research on the economics of diagnostic technologies in Africa, particularly point-of-care diagnostic tests. The application deadline is 27 April 2026 at 5pm. Overview of the AHEaD PhD Studentship The AHEaD (African Health, Economics and Diagnostics) project is an interdisciplinary research programme examining the health and economic impact of diagnostic technologies across African health systems. Successful candidates will: Enrol in the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy at LSE Join a collaborative international research team Conduct research aligned with the AHEaD programme’s objectives Work part-time as a Research Assistant on the project The programme is designed to build global expertise on diagnostic markets, policies, and technologies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Funding and Benefits The four-year studentship provides comprehensive financial support and research opportunities. Key benefits include: Full tuition fees covered (for both home and international students) Funding for four years starting September 2026 Opportunities to earn additional income as a Research Assistant on the AHEaD project Research funding for fieldwork, primary data collection, and conferences International collaboration with experts in health economics and policy Research assistant work is capped at approximately 20 hours per week, allowing students to gain practical experience while completing their doctoral studies. Research Focus: Economics of Diagnostics in Africa The studentships support innovative research exploring how diagnostics influence health systems, economic development, and policy outcomes across Africa. Potential research topics include: 1. Political Economy of Diagnostic Markets Manufacturing and supply chains for diagnostic technologies Governance and regulatory environments Market incentives and institutional structures 2. Economic Impact of Local Diagnostic Production Benefits of regional diagnostic manufacturing Health system resilience and pandemic preparedness Industrial policy and economic growth 3. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Economic evaluation of diagnostic tools Cost-effectiveness analysis Payment models and reimbursement systems 4. Sustainable Diagnostic Markets Financing strategies for diagnostic technologies Market incentives for innovation Policy frameworks supporting equitable access 5. Access and Adoption of Point-of-Care Tests Affordability and health system integration Behavioural factors influencing diagnostic use Data integration within healthcare systems While the research programme focuses strongly on African health systems, applicants may also incorporate comparative or global perspectives where relevant. PhD Programme Structure Students will enrol in the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy at LSE, typically structured across four years. During the programme, students will: Develop a doctoral research project aligned with AHEaD objectives Participate in advanced research training and seminars Conduct fieldwork and primary data collection Contribute to the wider research activities of the AHEaD project Students will also collaborate with international research partners and policymakers working on diagnostics, public health, and economic policy. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the academic requirements for doctoral study at LSE. Essential Criteria Candidates should have: A Master’s degree in economics, political economy, or a related discipline Strong analytical training in economic theory or policy analysis Experience working with quantitative or policy datasets Excellent academic writing and communication skills Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary research team Applicants should also demonstrate interest in how institutions, incentives, and governance systems influence health technologies, particularly diagnostic tools. Desirable Qualifications While not mandatory, the following experience will strengthen an application: Research experience in African countries, especially Senegal or Ethiopia Knowledge of health technology assessment (HTA) Experience in applied econometrics or economic evaluation Understanding of diagnostic, pharmaceutical, or vaccine markets French language proficiency Interest in learning qualitative research methods Students must also be willing to undertake international research travel, typically for one to two months at a time, to collaborate with project partners. Academic Entry Requirements Applicants must meet LSE’s PhD admission standards. Typical requirements include: A background in economics, health economics, or political economy A Master’s degree with an overall average equivalent to LSE High Merit (minimum 65%) A dissertation mark of at least 65% Previous expertise in diagnostics economics is not required, making this opportunity accessible to students from related disciplines interested in global health policy. Application Process To apply for the studentship, candidates must submit an application to the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy and Economics at LSE. Applicants must also include a research proposal (maximum 1,000 words). The proposal should: Identify a clear research gap Explain why the issue is important and timely Describe relevant stakeholders Outline methods and data sources Demonstrate how findings could influence policy, markets, or health systems Applicants should indicate the topic “Economics of Diagnostics: AHEaD” in their application. Application Deadline All applications must be submitted by: 27 April 2026 (5pm) Informal enquiries can be directed to the project lead: Lesong ContehEmail: l.conteh@lse.ac.uk Why This PhD Matters Diagnostics play a crucial role in early disease detection, treatment decisions, and health system efficiency. However, many African countries face challenges related to diagnostic access, affordability, and supply chains. This PhD programme aims to produce research that informs evidence-based policy and sustainable diagnostic markets, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes across the continent. For aspiring researchers interested in health economics, public policy, and global health, the AHEaD studentship offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful research at one of the world’s leading social science universities. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.