Postdoc PROTECT-SH and NASA

Directorate of Teaching and Research

from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement

The advertised position involves collaboration in two major research projects on the overarching topic "Self-Harm and New Media." Part of the work is carried out within the framework of PROTECT-SH, a consortium project funded by Horizon Europe with partners in seven countries. PROTECT-SH investigates over four years in a multicentre longitudinal cohort the mechanisms by which social media use promotes or protects against self-injurious and suicidal behaviour in adolescents and young adults. Building on this, a digital intervention is developed and evaluated in two large randomised controlled trials (prevention and clinical intervention). You will take on a coordinating role within the consortium and support everything from ethics and study documents to the implementation and evaluation of the two studies. The second project, NASA, involves the implementation and scientific evaluation of an app for suicide prevention within our clinic, also in a randomised controlled design. Additionally, there is the opportunity to participate in other internal projects of our working group in the field of self-injury and suicidality as well as to analyse and publish already existing data sets. The position is suitable for candidates in the early postdoc phase who wish to actively shape a large international research project. We work closely as a team and are interdisciplinary and internationally networked. Further information about our research department The position is initially limited to 2 years, with the option of extension within the project duration and beyond in case of special suitability. Remuneration is in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Bern.

Your tasks

• You support the coordination of the multicentre PROTECT-SH project from the coordination site in Bern
• You actively contribute to the design of three large randomised controlled trials and take on tasks in data management and panel maintenance
• You participate in the development and evaluation of digital interventions (e.g. apps, EMA/EMI) for the prevention of self-injury and suicidality
• You analyse quantitative data, write scientific publications and present results at national and international congresses
• You supervise doctoral and master’s students

Your profile

• You have a completed doctorate in psychology or a related field
• You have experience in planning and conducting clinical studies
• You bring sound knowledge of statistical methods and experience in their application (e.g. with R, Stata, Mplus)
• Experience with digital survey or intervention methods (e.g. EMA, app-based interventions, digital phenotyping) is an advantage
• You communicate confidently with international project partners and enjoy working with young people
• You equally enjoy working independently and collaborating in a team
• You have very good German and English skills

Your contacts

Daniel Graf

Daniel Graf answers your subject-specific questions: T: +41 58 630 87 38

For questions about the application process please contact

Nicole Portner

Email: bewerbungen@upd.ch T: +41 58 630 96 71

The UPZ

The University Psychiatric Centre Bern (UPZ) is the leading competence centre for psychiatry and psychotherapy in the capital region as a university clinic. It ensures psychiatric care in the canton of Bern along the entire care chain, from early detection through outpatient, day clinic and inpatient therapies to rehabilitation and forensics. With over 30 locations, the UPZ offers a comprehensive care network. In addition, the UPZ makes an important contribution in the areas of teaching, training and research.

Learn more

https://jobs.upz-bern.ch/de/warum-upz

Your workplace

Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60