PhD Student in Meta-Science and Clinical Psychology

Project Description / Your role

This PhD 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 meta-science project exames 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 multiple domains of clinical psychology. The project uses a multi-method approach involving: reanalysis of Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis datasets, synthetic data generated from fine-tuned Large Language Models, new primary data collection, and Monte Carlo simulation studies.

The PhD position is embedded in the Psychology of Digitalisation research group at the University of Bern, chaired by Prof Malte Elson. The group brings together 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, from study design and data collection through to analysis and publication.
You will work alongside a postdoc and a research assistant also hired on the project. You will have the opportunity to develop expertise in advanced quantitative methods and meta-science, work within the department's international team, and pursue independent research questions related to the project's themes under the PIs supervision. Teaching opportunities are available in 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. This is an in-person position; remote work is not available.

What we offer / Diversity & inclusion

• Competitive salary: Gross CHF 53,000/year including 13th month (~ EUR 57,400 / USD 67,000), plus employer contributions to the Swiss state pension (AHV). Note: PhD students in Switzerland hold dual status as both employees and enrolled students; annual student fees are approximately CHF 200.
• 100 % FTE. Four years of funding are available.
• We have experience supporting international hires through the process of apply for a residence permit (B-permit) through their employment.
• Language environment: English-speaking research group.
• Quality of life: Bern is one of the world's safest cities. It is walkable and UNESCO-listed with excellent public transport links, outdoor recreation, and a lively international academic community. Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life.
• Career development: Access to training in research methods, scientific writing, and university pedagogy. Learning and collaboration opportunties with approximately 10 other researchers postdocs and faculty in our research group. Teaching experience opportuntiies are available (in English or German).

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