PhD candidate in perinatal mental health and nutrition within the FRIC 75-80%

Qui sommes-nous?

Teaching, research, employment, events: the University of Fribourg is a hub of innovation and an important driver of the region’s economic and cultural life. It attracts students and researchers from across Switzerland and around the world and has shaped daily life in the bilingual city of Fribourg since its founding in 1889.

This PhD project is embedded within the research activities of the University of Fribourg and is linked to the Food Research & Innovation Center FRIC.

Pourquoi nous rejoindre ?

The State as an employer actively promotes a healthy work–life balance and offers an attractive, stimulating working environment to its employees.

We offer a highly formative PhD position within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful candidate will benefit from excellent research infrastructure, close scientific supervision, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The position allows for the development of advanced skills in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and dissemination of research findings.

The doctoral contract is offered for a fixed term (typically 3 to 4 years), in accordance with the regulations of the University of Fribourg. The salary will be defined according to institutional guidelines.

Vos missions

Under the supervision of the project leader, the PhD candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and conduct an original doctoral research project focusing on the relationships between parental and child mental health and nutrition


• Conduct systematic and critical literature reviews in the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health


• Launch and manage a national cohort in Switzerland and actively recruit participants


• Manage databases & analyze data using advanced statistical methods


• Write scientific articles for publication in international peer-reviewed journals


• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences


• Contribute to the academic activities of the research group (seminars, teaching, supervision of Bachelor’s or Master’s students, as opportunities arise) as well as in outreach activities related to the Food Research and Innovation Center


• Actively participate in the scientific life of the research center and in interdisciplinary collaborations

Profil souhaité

• Fluency in English is important, as well as in a second Swiss language (French, German or Italian)


• University Master’s degree, ideally in nutrition, applicants holding a master’s degree in psychology are also encouraged to apply.


• Strong interest in clinical research in health psychology, nutrition, or child development


• Advanced data analysis skills (proficiency in R is required; experience with longitudinal datasets is an asset)


• Advanced scientific writing skills in English


• Ability to work independently while being an active and collaborative member of a research team


• High motivation, interpersonal skills, scientific rigor, critical thinking skills, and reliability


• Prior research experience (e.g., publications, conference presentations or coordination of research projects) is an advantage

Dossier de candidature

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application including:

• A motivation letter outlining the candidate’s interest in the PhD position and research topics


• An academic curriculum vitae


• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with grades


• A copy of the Master’s thesis (or equivalent work), if available


• Contact details of 1–2 referees

Coordonnées des personnes de contact

Dr. Leah Gilbert
University of Fribourg
Email: E-Mail schreiben

T +41 26 300 81 35,
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