Job Opportunity: Community Engagement Manager and Research Assistant
We are actively seeking a dedicated Community Engagement Manager and Research Assistant to join a project focused on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, access, and use in Switzerland. This is a part-time position (60-80%, preferably at 80%) for a duration of 4 years, starting in November 2025, with the possibility of pursuing a PhD.
The project aims to provide gender-sensitive, interdisciplinary, evidence-based guidance on improving PrEP awareness, access, and use among underserved and diverse populations in Switzerland. This initiative is a collaboration among multiple universities in Switzerland and abroad, along with organizations and institutions engaged in HIV care and prevention, and communities affected by PrEP and/or HIV.
The position entails two principal responsibilities:
- Establishment and facilitation of a community advisory board (CAB) composed of individuals affected by PrEP and/or HIV, designed to ensure meaningful community engagement throughout the project.
- Conducting practice-based research into various aspects of the participatory processes implemented and their impact on the overall project.
The specifics of the research will be collaboratively determined by the successful applicant and the research team, in partnership with our associated universities.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and facilitate a diverse CAB of individuals concerned with PrEP and/or HIV in Switzerland.
- Conduct research on participatory processes and support monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess the impact of the CAB and its activities.
- Liaise between the CAB and project partners, including researchers and partner organizations.
- Lead outreach, dissemination, and communication efforts, ensuring that community engagement is prioritized throughout the project.
- Implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies within the project framework, ensuring inclusive practices at all stages.
Required Profile
- Experience:
- Master's degree in public health, social epidemiology, sociology, anthropology, or other relevant fields.
- Knowledge and experience of participatory processes/patient and public involvement.
- Prior experience in social sciences, public health research, qualitative epidemiology, or related areas.
- Experience in conducting qualitative research (e.g., interviews) is an asset.
- Skills:
- Excellent organizational abilities.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
- Fluency in English, and proficiency in either French or German, with a working understanding of the other language.
- A close connection to the PrEP user/HIV community in Switzerland is considered an asset.
What We Offer
- A dynamic, supportive, and collaborative research environment.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of HIV prevention and community engagement in Switzerland.
- Flexible working hours (60-80% position), with the option for part-time remote work.
- Salary according to the Inselspital Bern / SNF PhD salary scales as applicable.
We particularly encourage applications from individuals familiar with the communities this project aims to serve, especially those with experience of PrEP use or living with HIV in Switzerland. Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Questions about the Job?
For further information, please contact Marie Ballif, Scientific Associate at marie.ballif@insel.ch.