Professorship in clinical child, adolescent, and family psychology and psychotherapy

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The University of Zurich invites applications for a professorship in clinical child, adolescent, and family psychology and psychotherapy starting on 1 February 2028.

Applicants must demonstrate high scientific and clinical expertise in clinical child, adolescent, and family psychology, evidenced by their research profile as well as specialized psychotherapeutic expertise and experience. The candidate must have conducted excellent, internationally visible research in the field of clinical child, adolescent, and/or family psychology, as evidenced, for example, by outstanding publications as well as successful acquisition of competitive third‑party funding.

In terms of teaching, successful candidates must be able to represent the field of child, adolescent, and family psychology within clinical psychology across its full breadth, including foundations, theories, methods, and interventions at the BSc and MSc levels. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be expected to continue leading the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) “Cognitive behavioural therapy with a focus on children, adolescents, and young adults” (postgraduate programme;

offered in cooperation with the University of Fribourg). In addition, they will lead the psychotherapeutic outpatient unit for children and adolescents at the UZH Centre for Psychotherapy which serves as the psychotherapeutic teaching and research outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychology. The continuation of the Master of Advanced Studies in School Psychology is also possible.

Beyond providing innovative research contributions to the field, the successful candidate is expected to collaborate in research and teaching with other professorships within the Department of Psychology, across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and with other faculties at UZH, particularly the Faculty of Medicine (Pediatrics, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). Compatibility with the research priorities of the Department of Psychology is expected.

Applicants must have completed a doctorate and habilitation (or equivalent achievements) in the relevant field at the time of application, as well as possess additional excellent scientific publications and third‑party funding, along with demonstrated open‑science practices. Depending on the qualifications of the appointed candidate, the professorship will be filled as either a full or associate professorship. A psychotherapeutic qualification for working with children and adolescents in a recognised therapeutic approach, documented by licensure and/or a specialist title, or an equivalent degree, is a prerequisite for the position.

For leading the psychotherapy outpatient unit at the research and teaching clinic of the Department of Psychology (UZH Centre for Psychotherapy), very good German language skills are mandatory at the time of appointment.

The Department of Psychology, the University of Zurich, and Zurich as a university location offer a stimulating setting for research and teaching, with numerous opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration. The University of Zurich is an equal‑opportunities employer and committed to diversity in research and teaching. Therefore, applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Birgit Watzke (b.watzke.ch).

The closing date for applications is 25 March 2026. Further details on the application process can be found l.uzh.ch/jobs.html.