Research Assistant (PhD student) in Educational Psychology (80% - 100%)

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 collabora