The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties, two academies and two university research centres. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.

The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine promotes research and teaching in the fields of health, medicine, functional capacity and rehabilitation. Our mission is to improve health and well-being for all by creating a diverse, inclusive environment for innovative research, education and services.

As of 1 September 2026 or by agreement, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Sciences (40-80%)

Childhood cancer significantly impacts family dynamics, causing psychological distress for parents and disrupting family roles. In this project on “Fathers in Need of Emotional and Social Support (The FINESSE Project)– A mixed methods project to investigate fathers' experiences and needs after cancer diagnosis of their child”, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), we aim to explore the experiences and psychosocial outcomes of fathers, whose child was diagnosed with cancer. The project will include a longitudinal survey, qualitative interviews, a Delphi discussion and literature reviews. This is a collaborative project between the University of Lucerne and University of Geneva involving all nine pediatric oncology centers in Switzerland.

Responsibilities

Help coordinate the project together with a multidisciplinary team
Supervise data collection, analyse data and write scientific manuscripts
Present results at national and international conferences
Help supervise PhD students and student assistants in the project
Help with writing newsletters or grant applications
Possibility to be involved in teaching in the Master Health Sciences

Requirements

PhD or equivalent degree in psychology, health sciences, social sciences, or similar discipline
Native German or French speaker (bilingual proficiency is an advantage). Excellent English. Italian is an advantage
Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative methods (ideally both).
Structured, independent and accurate way of working

What we offer

A 4-year appointment as a Postdoctoral researcher
A stimulating learning environment as a member of the Childhood Cancer Research team of the University of Lucerne and CANSEARCH research platform in pediatric oncology and hematology of the University of Geneva
Salary and benefits according to Swiss National Science Foundation

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Gisela Michel, +41 41 229 59 55, gisela.michel@unilu.ch, or PD. Dr. Andre von Bueren, andre.vonburen@hug.ch

Applications by latest 27 March 2026 (including motivation letter, curriculum vitae, copy of diplomas, and work certificates) via application button below.

Apply now