PhD Opportunity in Biomedical Ethics and/or Social Psychology
Project: The Institute for Biomedical Ethics (IBMB) at the University of Basel (http://ibmb.unibas.ch/), is
dedicated to research and teaching of biomedical ethics at the Medical and Science Faculties. In collaboration
with the Center for Social Psychology (https://psychologie.unibas.ch/en/faculty/centers/social-psychology/)
we are currently looking for dynamic and independent graduate students (Master’s degree) or physicians
who are interested in carrying out their PhD work in biomedical ethics or psychology. The PhD position is
part of an exciting research project on loneliness and social exclusion funded by the Swiss National Science
Foundation. The project collects qualitative interview data as well as quantitative panel data to investigate
ethical and psychological aspects of loneliness alleviation and prevention (during and beyond the Covid-19-
pandemic). The project also offers the opportunity to develop and pursue own research questions that
expand the state of knowledge on loneliness and social exclusion.
Starting date/length of PhD program: At the earliest 1.6.2024; not later than 1.9.2024; duration: 3 years
Your tasks:
• Coordinating and managing a research project including carrying out qualitative interviews and analyzing
a large panel data set
• Continuing your education/training (e.g., taking courses on research methods)
• Mentoring research assistants, supervising students and reviewing their contributions
• Documenting and presenting research findings in English
• Taking responsibility for various organizational processes at the IBMB
Your qualifications:
• Master’s degree in ethics, philosophy, psychology, bioethics, law, medicine, or other related fields.
• Very good Master’s and Bachelor’s academic grades.
• Excellent language skills in English.
• Willingness to contribute towards an empirical project.
• Ability to speak and understand French (highly desired: German and French).
• Excellent knowledge of research methods and statistics; ideally you are familiar with the analysis of large
panel data sets; at a minimum, you are willing to quickly learn these skills independently.
• High level of commitment, intrinsic motivation, enthusiasm, and responsibility.
• You wish to be an integral part of an international team and contribute to its success.
• Your long term goal is an academic career.
• You have strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
We offer:
• Enrolment in a Swiss Bologna accredited PhD Program in Bioethics and Health Policy at one of the leading
research universities in Europe, in collaboration with the Center for Social Psychology
• An attractive salary and well-equipped working environment
• Positive and productive working atmosphere in which you can develop yourself and realize your
potential with in a dedicated team that enjoys collaborating on various projects
• Opportunity to engage in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary topic (ethic, psychology)
• Empirical methods courses in order to successfully conduct your PhD Project
• You will also have the possibility to contribute to the academic life at the IBMB, including contributions
to teaching, collaboration in other research projects and academic publications in scientific journals.
Environment: The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university with a long tradition in ethics and the
humanities and is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and family-friendliness. It has a long-standing
reputation in outstanding research and teaching. Its doctoral candidates come from many international
countries providing a vibrant and rich community. More information about the University is available at the
following website: https://www.unibas.ch/en/University/About-University.html. The city of Basel is a global
centre for biomedical research with major academic institutions and research departments of leading life
science companies. Basel is a multicultural city and ranks among the best in terms of quality of life.
Applications: must be in English, in a single PDF file (file name: last name, first name): (1) motivation letter
(max. 1 page, font 11); (2) a detailed CV, including an overview of study results (grades), title of your master
thesis, contact information of (at least) two (academic) referees; (3) PDF of the master thesis; sent to Dr
DeClerq (eva.declercq@unibas.ch) and Prof. B. Elger (b.elger@unibas.ch) with email subject “PhD
Loneliness” by May 20 th 2024.