Vacancies

Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine
The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties, two academies and two university research centres. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.

The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine promotes research and teaching in the fields of health, medicine, functional capacity and rehabilitation. Our mission is to improve health and well-being for all by creating a diverse, inclusive environment for innovative research, education and services.
As of 1 September 2026 or by agreement, we are looking for

Two (2) PhD students in Health Sciences (100%)

Childhood cancer significantly impacts family dynamics, causing psychological distress for parents and disrupting family roles. In this project on “Fathers in Need of Emotional and Social Support (The FINESSE Project)– A mixed methods project to investigate fathers' experiences and needs after cancer diagnosis of their child", funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), we aim to explore the experiences and psychosocial outcomes of fathers, whose child was diagnosed with cancer. The project will include a longitudinal survey, qualitative interviews, a Delphi discussion and literature reviews. This is a collaborative project between the University of Lucerne and University of Geneva involving all nine pediatric oncology centers in Switzerland.

Responsibilities

  • In a multidisciplinary team, help conducting the multi-methods study
  • Collect and analyse data, and write up scientific papers (as first and co-author)
  • Present results at national and international conferences
  • Supervise student assistants helping in the project
  • As a member of the research group, the PhD students will also help with writing newsletters or grant applications, and as teaching assistants

Requirements

  • MSc or equivalent degree in psychology, health sciences, social sciences, or similar discipline
  • Native German, French or Italian-speaking (plus ideally knowledge of a second Swiss language). Working English proficiency.
  • Knowledge of quantitative and / or qualitative research methods
  • Interest in psycho-oncology, childhood cancer, epidemiology, and public health
  • Structured, independent and accurate way of working

What we offer

  • A 4-year appointment as PhD student
  • PhD training organized by the PhD programme in Health Sciences at the University of Lucerne with the possibility to participate in the SSPH+ Inter-university Graduate Campus
  • A stimulating learning environment as a member of the Childhood Cancer Research team
  • Salary and benefits according to Swiss National Science Foundation
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Gisela Michel, gisela.michel@unilu.ch, or PD. Dr. Andre von Bueren, andre.vonburen@hug.ch
Applications by latest 8 March 2026 (including motivation letter, curriculum vitae, copy of diplomas, and work certificates) via application button below.
Apply now