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Start Date
September 1, 2026
Employment Duration
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) and is part of the project "Quantifying Effect Size Inflation in Clinical Psychology Trials" (QUEST). This meta-science project examines the combined impact of questionable measurement practices (e.g., 'jingle' fallacy) and questionable research practices (e.g., outcome switching) on estimates of the efficacy of psychotherapy across multiple domains of clinical psychology. The project employs a multi-method approach, which includes:
- Reanalysis of Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis datasets
- Synthetic data generated from fine-tuned Large Language Models
- New primary data collection
- Monte Carlo simulation studies
You will be part of the Psychology of Digitalisation research group at the University of Bern, led by Prof. Malte Elson. This group unites researchers with interdisciplinary interests in meta-science of measurement, forensic meta-science, AI, privacy and security, human-computer interaction, and media effects.
As a PhD researcher, your contributions will span all phases of the QUEST project, from study design and data collection to analysis and publication. You will collaborate with a postdoc and a research assistant, gaining valuable expertise in advanced quantitative methods and meta-science. You'll also have the freedom to explore independent research questions relevant to the project's themes under the supervision of the Principal Investigators (PIs). 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: Proficient in R for data management and statistical analysis
- Statistical knowledge: Familiar with advanced statistical methods (e.g., multilevel models, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and/or Monte Carlo simulations)
- Research interests: A strong passion for meta-science and research methodology
- Language: Excellent written and spoken English
- Availability: Willingness to commute or relocate to Bern, Switzerland. This is an in-person position; remote work is not available.
What We Offer / Diversity & Inclusion
- Competitive salary: Gross CHF 53,000/year including a 13th month (approximately EUR 57,400 / USD 67,000), 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.
- 100% FTE: Four years of funding available.
- International hiring support: Experience assisting international hires through the residence permit (B-permit) application process.
- Language environment: An English-speaking research group.
- Quality of life: Bern is one of the world's safest cities, boasting walkability and UNESCO status, excellent public transport, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant international academic community. Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life.
- Career development: Training in research methods, scientific writing, and university pedagogy, along with collaborative opportunities with approximately 10 other researchers, postdocs, and faculty in our group. Teaching experience 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 with an ambitious team
- Central location in the heart of Bern
- Access to university sports
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern offers exciting tasks in an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what sets us apart as an employer and how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.
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