PhD Student in Meta-Science and Clinical Psychology

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Start Date

01.09.2026

Employment Relationship

4 years

Institution / Workplace

Institute for Psychology, Psychology of Digitalisation

Project Description

This position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) as part of the project "Quantifying effect size inflation in clinical psychology trials" (QUEST). This exciting meta-science project examines the combined impact of Questionable Measurement Practices (e.g., 'jingle' fallacy) and Questionable Research Practices (e.g., outcome switching) on estimates of the efficacy of psychotherapy across various domains of clinical psychology. Utilizing a multi-method approach, the project includes reanalysis of Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis datasets, synthetic data generation from fine-tuned Large Language Models, new primary data collection, and Monte Carlo simulation studies.

You will be embedded within the Psychology of Digitalisation research group at the University of Bern, led by Prof. Malte Elson. The group comprises researchers with interconnected interests in Meta-Science of Measurement, Forensic Meta-Science, AI, Privacy and Security, Human-Computer Interaction, and Media Effects.

As a PhD researcher, you will contribute to all phases of the QUEST project, including study design, data collection, analysis, and publication. You will collaborate with a postdoc and a research assistant on the project. This position provides opportunities to develop expertise in advanced quantitative methods and meta-science, work within an international team, and explore independent research questions under the supervision of the principal investigator. Teaching opportunities are available in both English and/or German.

Your Profile

• Education: A Master's degree in Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics, or a related field.
• Technical skills: Strong working knowledge of R for data management and statistical analysis.
• Statistical knowledge: Familiarity with advanced statistical methods (e.g., multilevel models, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and/or Monte Carlo simulations).
• Research interests: A deep interest in meta-science and research methodology.
• Language: Strong written and spoken English.
• Availability: Willingness to commute or relocate to Bern, Switzerland. Note that this is an in-person position; remote work is not available.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: Gross CHF 53,000/year including 13th month (~ EUR 57,400 / USD 67,000), with employer contributions to the Swiss state pension (AHV). Annual student fees are approximately CHF 200.
• Full-time equivalent: 100% FTE; four years of funding are available.
• Support for international hires: We assist with the process of applying for a residence permit (B-permit) through your employment.
• Language environment: English-speaking research group.
• Quality of life: Enjoy living in one of the world's safest cities, with excellent public transport links, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant international academic community. Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life.
• Career development: Access to training in research methods, scientific writing, and university pedagogy, alongside collaboration opportunities with approximately 10 other researchers, postdocs, and faculty in our research group. Teaching experience opportunities are available (in English or German).

We actively encourage applications from women and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in academia.

Your Benefits

• Quality of life
• Collaborative environment and ambitious team
• Central location in the heart of Bern
• University sports

Working at the University of Bern

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