Postdoc in Meta-Research

Postdoc in Meta-Research
80-100 %

A fully funded postdoctoral position (2 years) is open for an enthusiastic early career researcher to work in the Research-on-research group at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Bern in Bern, Switzerland.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with the research team on the ATHENA project " Assessment of gender bias in editorial decision-making" which is a collaboration with the BMJ Publishing Group. He/She will also be involved in the implementation of the GRACE project "Gender Research Assessment at Committees of Ethics" funded by the NRP-83 of the Swiss National Science Foundation to assess the impact of different interventions, all aiming at improving the integration of sex and gender in the research protocols submitted to a Swiss research ethics committee. In particular, the postholder will co-lead and collaborate in epidemiological studies with a national and international research team.

Period: Fixed-term contract for 2 years, starting September 2025 (negotiable).
Place: Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland
Apply no later than: 15 June 2025 The postdoc research will be based at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Bern. ISPM performs research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health. Groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research in the fields of clinical epidemiology, social and behavioral health, biostatistics, and international and environmental health. The ISPM is highly reputed for its expertise in health effects of environmental exposures, the spread of infectious disease, and the health of vulnerable groups including children and the elderly. The research-on-research group, led by Prof. Angèle Gayet-Ageron, is concerned with understanding the determinants of participation and contributions to research, evaluating research practices, or improving the communication of research results, all with the aim of proposing new methods and strategies to improve the quality and usefulness of the scientific ecosystem.

• Co-lead the design and conduct of the research in the ATHENA project.
• Clean and analyse large observational databases using standard and advanced statistical methods (ATHENA).
• Support the preparation and implementation of the GRACE project (interventions, data extraction)
• Support the supervision of the PhD candidate in the GRACE project
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of epidemiologists, statisticians, and researchers.
• Present own work at international conferences and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in teaching activities of the team, including co-supervision of students and lead lectures and seminars.
• Lead and participate in the preparation of project funding proposals in collaboration with the group leader.

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline, including epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, social sciences or equivalent.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research in the areas of gender medicine and clinical epidemiology.
• Motivation to work on topics related to gender health and diversity in research.
• Good knowledge of the Swiss research and ethics environment.
• Skills in data management and computational sciences
• Experience in international research projects.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and with interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent knowledge of German, written and spoken.
• Excellent knowledge of English, written and spoken.
• Knowledge of French would be a plus.

• An international, interdisciplinary and dynamic academic environment.
• Support for career development and training, including the Public Health Science Course Program of the University of Bern (https://www.medizin.unibe.ch/studies/study_programs/phs_course_program/index_eng.html')).
• Salary according to the pay scales of the Swiss National Science Foundation.