PhD Candidate PRECISE-MDD

Directorate of Teaching and Research

from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement

We offer a PhD position within the framework of a multicentre project funded with 1.99 million CHF by the Swiss National Science Foundation entitled "PRECISE-MDD: Precision Treatment Selection in Major Depressive Disorder Using EEG/ECG Biomarkers: A Multicentre Triple-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial with Clinical, Mechanistic, and Health-Economic Outcomes." The study is conducted at the University Psychiatric Centre Bern under the leadership of Prof. Tobias Bracht (PI), Prof. Leila Soravia, and Prof. Bogdan Draganski. Other study centres are the Psychiatric University Clinics in Zurich (PI: Prof. Sebastian Olbrich) and Basel (PI: Prof. Annette Brühl). The aim of this multicentre, randomised controlled study is to investigate the therapeutic-predictive value of EEG and ECG-based biomarkers for different treatment modalities (antidepressants, rTMS, ketamine, and ECT) in patients with unipolar depression. The study is based on promising results from a retrospective study conducted in Zurich. At the Bern study centre, changes in structural and functional connectivity in the brain, which may be associated with therapy response, are additionally determined using state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. All MRI measurements take place at the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (SITEM) in cooperation with Neuroradiology at the Inselspital in Bern. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with an interest in clinical and neurobiological research in the field of affective disorders. The position is limited to 4 years. Thanks to the interdisciplinary team and comprehensive SNSF funding, excellent structural opportunities exist to lay the foundation for a further scientific career in neuropsychiatry or clinical psychiatry/psychology.

Your tasks

• You work in close exchange with the PhD candidates in Zurich and Basel and coordinate data collection at the Bern site
• You are responsible for recruiting patients at the Bern site
• You conduct diagnostic interviews, tests, and MRI measurements
• You supervise and coordinate the deployment of master’s students and research interns
• You perform data preparation, statistical analyses, and MRI analyses
• You present scientific results at national and international conferences
• You write scientific publications with the aim of obtaining a doctorate (PhD)

Your profile

• You have a master’s degree in psychology or a completed medical degree
• You are interested in affective disorders, neurobiology, MRI imaging, and clinical research
• You have a strong motivation to learn new research methods
• You demonstrate high initiative, work reliably and carefully
• You enjoy both independent work and teamwork
• You enjoy communicating with patients
• You have very good German and English skills

Your contacts

Prof. Dr. med. Tobias Bracht

Tobias Bracht answers your specialist questions: T: +41 58 630 70 42

For questions about the application process, please contact

Nicole Portner

Email: bewerbungen@upz-bern.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 further education, as well as research.

Learn more

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

Your workplace

Murtenstrasse 21, 3008 Bern