PhD Researcher at the University Institute of Psychotherapy

About the job

Research

PhD Researcher at the University Institute of Psychotherapy

The Department of Psychiatry at CHUV is looking for a PhD Researcher in psychotherapy at a 100% activity rate, to carry out a thesis within the University Institute of Psychotherapy. The starting date is scheduled for September 1, 2026, for a fixed-term contract until August 31, 2030.

Context

The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of the 5 Swiss university hospitals. Thanks to its collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and EPFL, CHUV plays a leading role in medical care, medical research, and education.

Within the University Institute of Psychotherapy, in collaboration with the General Psychiatry Service of the Department of Psychiatry at CHUV, cutting-edge studies are conducted in the field of personality disorders. The research program specializes in the investigation and treatment of personality disorders. The current project, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, is a randomized controlled study comparing the effectiveness of two brief treatments for severe personality disorders: Good Psychiatric Management and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In addition to evaluating treatment effectiveness, the research focuses on the mechanisms of change explaining their effects, using momentary assessment methods (Ecological Momentary Assessment), physiological synchrony measures during sessions (heart rate of the patient and therapist), as well as questionnaires and evaluation interviews.

Mission

• You will complete a doctoral thesis in the field of psychotherapy research
• You will conduct, under supervision, psychopathological, psychophysiological, and momentary assessments with patients presenting severe personality disorders
• You will present, under supervision, your results at national and international conferences
• You will actively participate in writing scientific publications.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in psychology or medicine (in French) or an equivalent qualification
• You have a strong interest in research
• You master scientific English or are ready to acquire it quickly.

We offer

Becoming a collaborator at the Lausanne University Hospital means benefiting from:

• Top-tier social benefits, 20 days paternity leave, and 4 months maternity leave (with the possibility of an additional month of breastfeeding leave)
• Regular salary progression adapted to responsibilities
• A 13th salary and 25 days of vacation per year
• A right to at least three days of training per year, with access to a varied offer within the CHUV Training Center and partner training centers of the State of Vaud
• Facilitated access to one of the 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighborhoods for people relocating to Switzerland from abroad
• Social, cultural, and economic benefits offered to members of the H-Oxygène association
• Benefits offered within the mobility plan (discounts on public transport subscriptions, promotion of "Mobility" vehicles, and discounts on electric bike purchases)
• Quality company restaurants in each hospital building with preferential rates.

Contact and application submission

Contact for information about the position: Prof. Ueli Kramer, Director, 021.314.62.87.

Since all applications are processed electronically, please apply exclusively online by clicking the APPLY button at the bottom of the announcement.

If you have difficulty applying, you can consult our procedure on how to apply online. If for technical reasons you cannot apply online, please contact our Recruitment Unit, which will assist you in your process, either by email at e.recrutement@chuv.ch or by phone at 021 314 85 70.

CHUV applies the highest quality standards in its recruitment processes. Furthermore, committed to promoting diversity among our collaborators, we pay attention to different life paths and do everything possible to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We look forward to receiving your application.

We kindly ask placement agencies to note that applications submitted directly on our recruitment platform by them are not accepted and cannot be invoiced. Thank you for your understanding.