Research Assistant (PhD student) in Educational Psychology (80% - 100%)

To strengthen our research activities at the psychology faculty (educational psychology), we are seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking professional for the position of: 

Research Assistant (PhD student) in Educational Psychology (80% - 100%)

Place of work: Brig
Start date: September 1^st, 2026 (with flexibility)

The position can be structured either as a research-only position or as a combined research and teaching assistant position (80% - 100%). It is designed as a PhD qualification position, with structured support toward completing a dissertation within a four-year contract period. Details can be discussed with the respective candidate. The work is conducted at the UniDistance in Brig, with a home office possibility for up to 40%.

The successful candidate will join the Educational Psychology Lab led by Prof. Dr. Tino Endres. The lab investigates how learners construct complex knowledge, with a particular focus on cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational processes that support or hinder learning. The doctoral dissertation should fall within the research topics of the Lab and potentially be aligned with ongoing research projects. The exact topic will be developed jointly with the successful candidate.

The research will be embedded in a strong national and international research network and will be part of one of two externally funded research projects of the lab, in collaboration with a partner university. Depending on the project, the collaboration will involve either the University of Zurich or the German Universities of Freiburg and Giessen. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with well-established researchers across different universities and to become part of an active, internationally connected research environment in the field of learning and instruction.

• Plan, conduct, analyse, and report experimental studies in the field of learning and instruction

• Write scientific papers in English as part of a publication-based dissertation

• Participate in an interdisciplinary research centre

• Present research findings at national and international conferences

• If applicable, support teaching activities in the Educational Psychology Lab, particularly in the areas of Learning and Instruction and Developmental Psychology

Required qualities

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Psychology, Educational Sciences, or a related field
• A strong interest in learning and instruction
• A self-regulated, reliable, and conscientious working style
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Curiosity and motivation to develop new skills and competencies

Additional assets

• Experience with experimental research
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical software
• Experience with open-science practices
• German and/or French language skills
• Experience in teaching or student support
   

• Structured PhD supervision: Regular, goal-oriented supervision and support in developing a publication-based dissertation.

• A strong research environment: An active academic culture within the Institute of Psychology, with interdisciplinary collaboration and high scientific and ethical standards.

• Research infrastructure and support: Access to participant recruitment structures, experimental software, open-science infrastructure, student assistant support, and internal funding opportunities for data collection, conferences, and academic development.

• Academic networking: Close collaboration with leading partner universities and opportunities for national and international scientific exchange.

• Career development: Training opportunities in research methods, teaching, academic writing, and transferable skills.

• Flexible and attractive working conditions: Partial remote work within the institutional framework, generous social benefits, the possibility of a full-time position, and a competitive salary of approximately CHF 71,000-82,000 at 100%.

• An inspiring location: A campus in Brig within walking distance of the railway station and close to very attractive natural and mountain regions.