PhD candidate in Health Science for Disability and Functioning
The PhD project will focus on utilizing real-world data to investigate the social causes of disability across the life course. The doctoral researcher will analyse the social causes and consequences of disability, examining how socioeconomic factors shape the onset of chronic illness and how functional decline impacts employment, income, and social participation over time. You will develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning models to analyze large-scale datasets, including clinical records and patient-reported outcomes. The goal is to generate actionable insights to improve the understanding of the social and clinical determinants of disability and functioning progression, and to inform evidence-based interventions for patients with chronic diseases. This position is embedded within a Swiss National Science Foundation-funded project, and the candidate will work closely with a recently appointed Postdoctoral researcher.
These are your tasks
- Develop a robust PhD research plan leveraging real-world data to explore socioeconomic causes of disability and functioning trajectories in patients with chronic diseases
- Analyze large-scale datasets, including socioeconomic data, patient-reported outcomes, clinical data, and functioning measures
- Design and implement advanced statistical and machine learning models to generate actionable insights.
- Write scientific papers and present findings at national and international conferences
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary international team of researchers
- Regular participation in the University of Lucerne graduate program
What makes you stand out
- Master's degree in biostatistics, data science, quantitative economics, epidemiology, or related field
- A strong foundation in statistical methods and/or machine learning, with an ability to apply them to clinical and functioning data
- Proven experience working with real-world databases and generating real-world evidence
- Good programming skills such as in R and/or Python
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent English skills (knowledge of German is a plus but not required)
We offer
- A stimulating, dynamic and innovative research environment
- Possibility to develop international collaborations, including the possibility of research stays abroad
- Comprehensive training in clinical research study design, and patient-centered research in SCI
- Opportunity to contribute to transformative patient care research in SCI
- Excellent conditions for innovative and vital research in the context of SCI
- Supportive mentoring to advance research skills
The position is for 3 years, starting 1st of September 2026 or upon individual agreement.
For this position we require complete application documents (including a cover letter, CV, employment references and educational certificates). Thank you!
What you can expect
Your work is meaningful – you support a globally unique network of services for people with a spinal cord injury.
Your work is meaningful – you support a globally unique network of services for people with a spinal cord injury.
We're all on first name terms and on an equal footing. The close interaction, our staff parties and team events ensure a homely atmosphere.
We're all on first name terms and on an equal footing. The close interaction, our staff parties and team events ensure a homely atmosphere.
We are a “research institute of national importance” recognized and funded by the Swiss federal and cantonal governments.
We are a “research institute of national importance” recognized and funded by the Swiss federal and cantonal governments.
Numerous rest areas and sports options offer the chance to relax and unwind. You can choose: fitness, indoor swimming pool, private beach, rose garden or rather team sports?
Numerous rest areas and sports options offer the chance to relax and unwind. You can choose: fitness, indoor swimming pool, private beach, rose garden or rather team sports?
You benefit from a fair salary, good pension fund benefits and cover in the event of illness or accident. Families with children receive up to CHF 250 social supplements per month.
You benefit from a fair salary, good pension fund benefits and cover in the event of illness or accident. Families with children receive up to CHF 250 social supplements per month.
You enjoy five to seven weeks' holiday and up to 16 paid public holidays per year. Other options are holiday purchase, unpaid leave or a sabbatical after 10 years of service.
You enjoy five to seven weeks' holiday and up to 16 paid public holidays per year. Other options are holiday purchase, unpaid leave or a sabbatical after 10 years of service.
About us
Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF) is part of the Swiss Paraplegic Group. The mission of SPF is sustainably improving the situation of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) through interdisciplinary, clinical and Community-based research on a national and international level. Specific areas of its comprehensive research include functioning, mobility, social integration, equality of opportunity, self-determination, quality of life, health services provision as well as epidemiology and statistical methods. SPF is an university research institution recognized and promoted by the Swiss federal government and the cantons and an active link to academic and industrial research and development at the national and international levels.
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