PhD Candidate Psychology

University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

from 1 October 2026 or by arrangement

The Research Department of the University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy deals with questions concerning the early detection and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Within the framework of the research project MERIT , we investigate early markers for nonresponse in inpatient psychiatric treatment of adolescents. In addition, we want to find out whether regularly recording and feeding back the course of therapy to the therapists helps to improve treatment success. To support the project team, we are looking for a PhD candidate interested in clinically oriented research, multimodal data collection methods (e.g. diagnostic interviews, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), electrocardiogram (ECG), actigraphy), and statistical analyses of longitudinal data. We offer competent supervision in an interdisciplinary team as well as diverse training opportunities. It is possible to combine the doctorate with a part-time position as an assistant psychologist in our clinic during the course of the project. Remuneration is in accordance with the guidelines of the SNSF.

Your tasks

• You recruit study participants
• You conduct data collection
• You prepare and analyse the data
• You write scientific publications with the aim of obtaining a PhD
• You present scientific results at national and international conferences

Your profile

• You have a Master’s degree in Psychology
• You are interested in intervention research in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy
• You have sound knowledge of statistical methods and initial experience in their application
• You have a strong motivation to learn new research methods
• You show high initiative and work reliably and carefully
• You enjoy working independently as well as collaborating in an interdisciplinary team and with patients and their parents
• You have very good German and English skills

Your contacts

Prof. Dr phil. Marialuisa Cavelti

Marialuisa Cavelti answers your subject-specific questions: T: +41 58 630 85 64

For questions about the application process, please contact

Yanis Emanuel Ryser

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 further education as well as research.

Learn more

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

Your workplace

Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60