Assistant Professor with Tenure Track (open rank) or Associate Professor of Palliative Medicine combined with the role of Head Physician of the UZP

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Start Date August 1, 2027 or by agreement
Employment Relationship 100%, permanent
Institution / Workplace The Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern and the University Hospital (Inselspital) Bern Bern
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About us

The University Center for Palliative Care (UZP) is an interdisciplinary cross-sectional unit at Inselspital and a central academic structure for specialized palliative care, clinical research, and teaching. The Center provides comprehensive medical, nursing, and psychosocial care for patients with complex, advanced, or incurable diseases. In addition to inpatient services, it offers specialized outpatient care and a consultation service within the university hospital. A particular focus lies on interprofessional care, the early integration of palliative expertise in complex disease trajectories, and the further development of evidence-based, patient-centered care models.

Your profile

We are seeking an internationally recognized individual with proven clinical expertise in palliative medicine, as well as experience in leading clinical structures and interprofessional teams. The future appointee is expected to strategically develop the University Center for Palliative Care, strengthen the integration of palliative medicine across clinical disciplines, and actively contribute to regional and supra-regional networking in palliative care.

Applicants are expected to have an independent and internationally visible research profile, demonstrated by regular publications and successful acquisition of competitive third-party funding. The successful candidate will further expand research in palliative medicine, particularly in health services research and interdisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to the national and international positioning of Bern as a center of excellence.

A strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, as well as to the education, training, and continuing professional development of healthcare professionals, is required. This includes the advancement of palliative care curricula in medical education, the promotion of interprofessional training formats, and active support of early-career researchers.

Requirements include a habilitation or an equivalent academic qualification, as well as board certification with a specialization (SIWF/FMH) in palliative medicine. Additional qualifications, for example in management or organizational development, are considered an advantage.

As an integrative and trustworthy personality, you possess strong communication and team-building skills. You promote interprofessional collaboration, integrate diverse perspectives, and actively engage in cooperation with regional and national partner institutions. You are also committed to fostering an open and respectful work environment and to promoting equality and diversity.

Self-conception

The University of Bern aims to increase the proportion of women in teaching and research and therefore explicitly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. The University offers various measures to support work–life balance, including childcare services and partner support programs (https://www.vereinbarkeit.unibe.ch/index_eng.html). Job-sharing applications are welcome.

Your Benefits

Benefit
International reputation
Benefit
Strong research infrastructure and international network
Benefit
Collaborative environment and ambitious team
Benefit
Individual career support
Other benefits

Your Benefits

  • International reputation
  • Strong research infrastructure and international network
  • Collaborative environment and ambitious team
  • Individual career support

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

Applications must be submitted solely electronically no later than 2 October 2026 to the Dean's Office of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern by this link
https://www.recruiting.medizin.unibe.ch/position/14352388

For further information, please contact the Chair of the Appointment Committee, Prof. Dr. med. Daniel Surbek, Co-Director and Head Physician, University Clinic for Gynecology, Inselspital Bern (email: daniel.surbek@insel.ch).

Further information regarding required documentation can be found under https://www.medizin.unibe.ch/research/academic_career_paths/professorship/index_eng.html#pane1397223
or under https://kdrive.medicinebern.ch/app/share/991093/bc77beab-f75a-4634-bbeb-487240307ec0

Questions about the position?

For further information, please contact the Chair of the Appointment Committee, Prof. Dr. med. Daniel Surbek, Co-Director and Head Physician, University Clinic for Gynecology, Inselspital Bern (email: daniel.surbek@insel.ch).

Questions about the application?

Dean's Office of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008 Bern

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