25/06/2026
Psychologie · Emploi
Place of work: Brig | Start date: September 1st, 2026 (with flexibility)
UniDistance Suisse offers fully online university degree programmes and is accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA). It combines flexible, location‑independent part‑time distance learning with an active, interdisciplinary research culture on its campus in Brig. Across five faculties – Law, Psychology, Economics, History, and Mathematics & Computer Science – we have been shaping modern teaching, learning and research for more than 30 years. Today, UniDistance Suisse counts over 2,700 students and around 550 staff members.
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.
Your responsibilities
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
Your profile
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
We offer
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.
We look forward to receiving your full application by e‑mail no later than 30. Juli 2026 at the following address:
[email protected] . Please submit a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, contact details of one or two academic references, and a brief research idea of approximately 600 words. The research idea should describe a potential empirical study in the field of learning and instruction and should include a central research question, a short theoretical rationale, a possible study design, and a brief explanation of how the idea fits with the Educational Psychology Lab. The research idea does not need to be a fully developed proposal; it is intended to help us understand the candidate’s research interests, theoretical thinking, methodological orientation, and fit with the lab.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Tino Endres: [email protected]
Applications will be considered from candidates residing in Switzerland or planning to relocate to Switzerland.
