Time discounting risk preference, personal health behaviours and screening in older people

*FUNDING CONFIRMED*

Like the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), The Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Aging (NICOLA) uses a series of follow-up interviews of a random sample of 8500 people over 50. NICOLA will study important aspects of ageing and health. This project will use data linkages within NICOLA and ELSA to explore behavioural economic theories which relate data on individual respondent’s time and risk preferences to health related behaviours in the areas of mental and physical health and wellbeing, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical activity and compliance in health screening programs. This economic data can be used to identify classes of respondents likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours and for whom special incentives and initiatives may be designed.

SPECIFICATIONS
The successful candidate should have or expect to obtain a first-class or high 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline such as health economics, economics, or finance, with an interest in public health related subjects. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a sound knowledge of economic theory and strong econometric/statistical and analytical skills. Local knowledge and previous experience in health/finance would be an asset. The successful applicant should also have good interpersonal skills and sensitivity in dealing with confidential health and financial issues.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.
The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:

• IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 90+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 21, Writing 20);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/EnglishLanguageRequirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/