Project name: COVID-19 and Mental Health – dealing with short and long-term Uncertainty
Project description: The aims of the project are to study the causes, consequences and implications of the Covid-19 outbreak and population quarantine on individuals’ mental health. The project will focus on the following inter-related questions: (1) What is the specific role of the COVID-19 epidemic and associated precautionary measures (lockdown, distance-working, partial unemployment) on individuals’ mental health? (2) To what extent do neighbourhood characteristics influence individuals’ mental psychological well-being in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic? (3) Can we forecast patterns of future mental health based on prior knowledge of levels of psychological distress as well as occurrence of risk and protective factors during the COVID-19 epidemic? These questions will be addressed through a synergetic collaboration between: (1) A French team expert in social epidemiology and analysis of long-term cohort data in mental health (2) A Israeli team expert in models of decision making under uncertainties and urban dynamics.
Position: This is a full-time position for a two-year project that will be held during 2022-2024 (the exact starting date will be defined soon). The position is based on the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning in the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, located in Haifa, Israel. However, during the project a medium-term residence period (2-3 months) and additional short-term trips to Paris, France, will be required.
Required profile: Applicants must have a demonstrated experience in quantitative research and quantitative analytical models during their PhD studies. Willingness and ability to develop mathematical models of decision-making under deep uncertainty is essential. Good interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate in English (written & spoken) with interdisciplinary research teams is required. A degree of proficiency in French and background in psychology, mental health or health management/economics are valuable skills although not essential.
Contact details: Dr Dani Broitman (
[email protected]) or Prof Yakov Ben-Haim (
[email protected])