Research Assistant

Overview

Research Assistant 50-80%, fixed-term, Bern

The SENSDYN study investigates how adolescents' mental health unfolds in real-time within their daily environments. It uses a participatory co-development approach to optimize a measurement-burst design that combines Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) with passive smartphone sensing and wearable monitoring. The project initially collaborates with 20 adolescents (12–18 years old) to co-develop and pilot the study. This position supports recruitment, focus groups, qualitative interviews, digital assessment setup, and data collection.

• Recruiting adolescent participants for the Youth Advisory Board
• Supporting the development and implementation of recruitment strategies
• Assisting with three in-person focus groups and qualitative interviews with adolescents
• Supporting the technical implementation of ESM assessments within the UniBE Selfhelp application
• Monitoring participant engagement and study compliance
• Assisting with data collection, data management, and organizational tasks

This position combines practical research experience, participant contact, and methodological training.

• Enrolled in the final phase of a Bachelor's degree or currently pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology at the University of Bern
• Interested in adolescent mental health research
• Enthusiastic about participatory research, co-creation, and qualitative methods
• Interested in intensive longitudinal methods (ESM)
• Reliable, organized, and able to work independently
• Proactive and eager to learn new research skills
• Comfortable communicating with adolescents aged 12–18 years
• Fluent in German (spoken and written) and able to communicate in English

• Experience with qualitative research, ESM, or data collection
• Existing networks with Swiss adolescents, schools, youth organizations, or sports clubs

Final date to receive applications: 22 June (incl. letter of motivation & CV) to: sofie.weyn

Start Date:

01.08.2026 (one- or two-month contract)

Employment Relationship: 50-80%, fixed-term

Institution / Workplace:
Institute of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Division Bern

Additional details on the SENSDYN study are provided above in the Overview. The project emphasizes real-time data collection and co-development with adolescents to inform personalized ecological interventions.

• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• Collaborative environment and ambitious team
• International reputation
• Team-oriented work

Questions about the position: sofie.weyn

Questions about the application: sofie.weyn

Open positions and career information are available on the University of Bern career page.