Postdoc Position in SNSF-funded Project “Mapping Mental Health in Municipalities”

Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) and the Population Research Center (PRC)

Postdoc Position in SNSF-funded Project “Mapping Mental Health in Municipalities” 60 - 80 %

Start of employment 1 February 2027, or upon agreement, temporary

The Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) and the Population Research Center (PRC) at the University of Zurich are leading institutions in public health and population-based research. We invite applications for a postdoctoral position (60-80%) within the SNSF-funded project “Mapping Mental Health in Municipalities: Comparing Random Sampling and Setting-Based Approaches to Generate Inclusive Data and Actionable Evidence”. The position is initially offered for two years with the possibility of an extension for up to an additional two years.

This research project has two main objectives: (1) to test and refine three different sampling and recruitment strategies, including setting-based and participatory approaches, to better reach underrepresented and hard-to-reach populations; and (2) to generate actionable municipality-level evidence on mental health and wellbeing in the Canton of Zurich. Using large-scale population surveys across diverse municipalities, the project combines methodological innovation with applied public health research and aims to provide evidence that is both scientifically rigorous and directly relevant for municipalities and policymakers.

You will join an interdisciplinary team spanning epidemiology, psychology, and political science, combining scientific research with community engagement and project implementation. Population Research Center PRC Research Projects

Your responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the project investigators and contribute to all phases of the study. Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of survey instruments, study materials, and data collection procedures
• Develop project-related research questions and the statistical analysis plan, and conduct quantitative analyses
• Contribute to the implementation of municipality-based and setting-based approaches, including the evaluation of implementation processes and experiences
• Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at nation-al and international conferences
• Engage with local stakeholders, including public authorities, policymakers, and community organiza-tions, and contribute to communication, knowledge translation, and dissemination

Your profile

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, psychology, sociology, political science, statistics, or related disci-pline
• Strong methodological and analytical skills, ideally with experience in survey research and quantitative data analysis
• Experience in working with large-scale population data and applying advanced statistical methods
• Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Interest in mental health research, population health, health inequalities, and the Swiss health system and its regional context
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent written and spoken English; good knowledge of German for collaboration with municipalities and local stakeholders

Information on your

To apply, please submit your cover letter, CV, and relevant employment certificates by 30 November 2026.

Location

Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) and the Population Research Center (PRC)

Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

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