Postdoctoral Researcher
The HEC research group investigates the costs and benefits of improvements and declines in functioning in the population. We focus on individuals facing long-term health conditions (chronic illnesses) within an aging population. Our work studies effects in the labor market, the health system organization, and the response of social systems.
The objective of this project is to examine disability as a dynamic, socially embedded process across the life course. Disability is a growing public health challenge in Switzerland, where nearly half of the population lives with a chronic condition and about one in five experiences some level of disability, often affecting work, social participation, and income stability. Existing research has largely focused on older adults, overlooking the broader population with functional limitations. This project addresses this gap by linking data on health, participation, and socioeconomic conditions to study how disability develops, its impacts on employment and financial vulnerability, and how it can be more accurately measured. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
These are your tasks
- Scientific and operationalization of a research project
- Synthesize and analyze quantitative data, and prepare scientific publications
- Assist in various scientific and administrative activities
- Present own work at international conferences and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Supervision of students and in teaching duties
What makes you stand out
- PhD degree in Economics, Health Economics, Political Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related field
- Experience in project planning and execution
- Strong interest in applied research in the area of economics, social policy, or epidemiology
- Well-versed in statistical or econometric analysis and methodologies
- Excellent English skills (C1 level or higher), German is a plus
- Ability to work efficiently, independently, and in an interdisciplinary team
We offer
- An exciting research project with a close connection and high impact on social policy and health sciences
- Excellent conditions for innovative, vital, and implementation-oriented research
- Supportive mentoring to advance research skills
The position is for 4 years, starting in September 2026. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Diana Pacheco at SPF and will be affiliated with the University of Lucerne, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine.
We are looking forward to your full online application in English (including a curriculum vitae, diplomas and a cover letter with a personal statement regarding your suitability and motivation).
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.
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.
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?
Whether you commute by bus, train, bike, car or a stand up paddleboard – we'll share the costs
Whether you commute by bus, train, bike, car or a stand up paddleboard – we'll share the costs
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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