Job Description

Department of Psychology

PhD Position for the Global LGBTIQ+ Health Project 80 %

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Start of employment 01.04.2026, temporary
The Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich invites applications for a 4-year PhD position in Social Psychology and Intergroup Relations, supervised by SNSF-Professor Tabea Hassler.



This position offers an excellent opportunity for motivated people interested in exploring issues related to the LGBTIQ+ community. The PhD candidate will become part of the Global LGBTIQ+ Health Project - an active global research collaboration led by SNSF-Professor Tabea Hassler. Together with over 100 scholars from 70 countries from all continents, we will investigate how individual factors (e.g., group membership, coping mechanisms), group-based factors (e.g., prejudice, discrimination, social relations, social support), and structural factors (e.g., laws, social climate) affect the well-being and health of LGBTIQ+ people. We will ex-amine psychological health disparities (e.g., depression, anxiety, self-harming behavior, suicidality), physical health issues (e.g., substance abuse, risky sexual behavior), but also queer joy, well-being, and good health. By fostering collaboration among researchers, statistical experts, stakeholders, and key institutions, we aim to create a platform for collective learning and coordinated action, generating urgently needed knowledge and evidence-based solutions that can influence science, policy, and practice globally.

Your responsibilities

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The PhD candidate will play a crucial role in the project by managing local data collection in Switzerland under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and a postdoctoral researcher. They will also help organize two workshops in Zurich, providing them with valuable opportunities to connect with leading scholars in LGBTIQ+ research, social psychology, health research, and global policy. They will further present their work at international scientific conferences and engage with wider audiences. A research stay abroad will also be encouraged. To enhance their learning experience during their doctoral studies, the PhD student will work on three papers in close collaboration with the PI, the postdoctoral researchers, and the international team. Finally, the PhD candidate will get trained in public speaking and will engage in outreach acitivities to bridge the gap between science and the wider society.

Your profile

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Master's degree or equivalent in (Social or Clinical) Psychology or a related field Strong interest in psychological research and LGBTIQ+ research Project management skills Experience with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis (e.g., R) Knowledge of qualitative research methods is a plus Very good written and spoken English; knowledge of or willingness to acquire German Cultural sensitivity Ability to work as part of a team and independently Good written and verbal communication skills Interest in and connection to the LGBTIQ+ community

Why Join Us?Impactful Experience: Contribute to meaningful research and outreach activities that support LGBTIQ+ rights, well-being, and health at a global level. Supportive Environment: Work in a collaborative and inclusive team that values diverse perspectives and offers fair working conditions. International Experience: The global team unites scholars, practitioners, and key institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. You will collaborate with established scholars from around the world and attend international conferences.

Please send your CV, a cover letter, any relevant work samples (i.e., master's theses and, if available, scientific publications and/or outreach work), and the names as well as contact details of two to three referees as one PDF file to tabea.haessler@uzh.ch.

What we offer

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Work-Life Balance

Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing) Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ Free seasonal flu vaccinations Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

Policies of the UZH Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

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Department of Psychology

Stampfenbachstrasse 73, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland

Further information

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Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Tabea Hassler

SNSF-Professor

Working at UZH

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The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!