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Start Date
September 1, 2026
Employment Relationship
4 years
Institution / Workplace
Institute for Psychology, Psychology of Digitalisation
Project Description / Your Role
This PhD position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) as part of the project "Quantifying Effect Size Inflation in Clinical Psychology Trials" (QUEST). This meta-science initiative examines the combined impact of Questionable Measurement Practices (e.g., the 'jingle' fallacy) and Questionable Research Practices (e.g., outcome switching) on estimates of psychotherapy efficacy across various domains of clinical psychology.
The project employs a multi-method approach, which includes:
- Reanalysis of Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis datasets
- Synthetic data generation from fine-tuned Large Language Models
- New primary data collection
- Monte Carlo simulation studies
As a PhD researcher, you will play an integral role in all phases of the QUEST project, contributing from study design and data collection to analysis and publication. You will collaborate with a postdoc and a research assistant also involved in the project and have the opportunity to develop expertise in advanced quantitative methods and meta-science. Furthermore, you can pursue independent research questions aligned with the project's themes under the supervision of the principal investigators. Teaching opportunities are available in English and/or German.
Your Profile
- Education: A Master's degree in Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics, or a related field
- Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of R for data management and statistical analysis
- Statistical Knowledge: Familiarity with advanced statistical methods (e.g., multilevel models, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and/or Monte Carlo simulations)
- Research Interests: A keen interest in meta-science and research methodology
- Language: Proficient in written and spoken English
- Availability: Willingness to commute or relocate to Bern, Switzerland, as this is an in-person position; remote work is not available.
What We Offer / Diversity & Inclusion
- Competitive Salary: Gross CHF 53,000/year (approx. EUR 57,400 / USD 67,000), including 13th month, plus employer contributions to the Swiss state pension (AHV). Note: PhD students in Switzerland hold dual status as both employees and enrolled students; annual student fees are approximately CHF 200.
- Full-time Position: 100% FTE with four years of funding available.
- International Support: Experience assisting international hires with their residence permit (B-permit) application process.
- Language Environment: English-speaking research group.
- Quality of Life: Bern is one of the safest cities globally, featuring excellent public transportation, outdoor recreation options, and a thriving international academic community. Switzerland consistently ranks among the best countries for quality of life.
- Career Development: Access to training in research methods, scientific writing, and university pedagogy, along with collaborative opportunities with approximately 10 other researchers, postdocs, and faculty in our research group.
- Teaching Opportunities: Available in English or German.
We explicitly encourage applications from women and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in academia.
Your Benefits
- Quality of life
- Collaborative environment and ambitious team
- Central location in the heart of Bern
- University sports
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and learn how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Questions about the Position?
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