Postdoctoral Researcher

The HEC research group investigates the costs and benefits of improvements and declines in functioning in the population. We focus on individuals facing long-term health conditions (chronic illnesses) within an aging population. Our work studies effects in the labor market, the health system organization, and the response of social systems. The objective of this project is to examine disability as a dynamic, socially embedded process across the life course. Disability is a growing public health challenge in Switzerland, where nearly half of the population lives with a chronic condition and about one in five experiences some level of disability, often affecting work, social participation, and income stability. Existing research has largely focused on older adults, overlooking the broader population with functional limitations. This project addresses this gap by linking data on health, participation, and socioeconomic conditions to study how disability develops, its impacts on employment and financial vulnerability, and how it can be more accurately measured. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

These are your tasks

• Scientific and operationalization of a research project
• Synthesize and analyze quantitative data, and prepare scientific publications
• Assist in various scientific and administrative activities
• Present own work at international conferences and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Supervision of students and in teaching duties

What makes you stand out

• PhD degree in Economics, Health Economics, Political Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related field
• Experience in project planning and execution
• Strong interest in applied research in the area of economics, social policy, or epidemiology
• Well-versed in statistical or econometric analysis and methodologies
• Excellent English skills (C1 level or higher), German is a plus
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and in an interdisciplinary team

What you can expect

You can expect attractive employment conditions as well as numerous other advantages. Look forward to meaningful work in a modern work environment, flexible working times and various further training opportunities. Come and join us and experience our unique spirit. More information at parplegie.ch/vorteile.

About us

Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF) is part of the Swiss Paraplegic Group. The mission of SPF is sustainably improving the situation of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) through interdisciplinary, clinical and Community-based research on a national and international level. Specific areas of its comprehensive research include functioning, mobility, social integration, equality of opportunity, self-determination, quality of life, health services provision as well as epidemiology and statistical methods. SPF is an university research institution recognized and promoted by the Swiss federal government and the cantons and an active link to academic and industrial research and development at the national and international levels.

Your contact person

Questions about the application process

Lea Blunschi

HR Manager

+41 41 939 53 72

Questions on the job

Prof. Diana Pacheco

Group Leader

+41 41 939 66 52