PhD Student/ Postdoc Position in Meta-Science

The University of Bern seeks a PhD student or Postdoc to lead research on RegCheck, an open-source tool for evaluating research quality. The role focuses on meta-science, open science practices, and large language models within an interdisciplinary, international team.

This position offers a unique opportunity to join an international community dedicated to improving the trustworthiness and quality of scientific research. The successful candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team, leading studies and developing tools to evaluate and enhance research practices. The role is available as either an 18-month Postdoc contract or an initial 18-month PhD contract, with the possibility of extension up to four years for doctoral candidates.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field trials and evaluate the real-world performance and usability of RegCheck alongside journal editors and teams.
• Design, build, and test new features and extensions for the RegCheck platform.
• Maintain and contribute to the open-source codebase and ensure reproducible analysis pipelines.
• Write and submit academic publications and present findings at global conferences.
• Collaborate on related research projects and optionally co-supervise student work.
• Develop deep expertise in metascience and the application of large language models.
• Participate in teaching activities conducted in English or German.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline such as metascience, psychology, human-computer interaction, medicine, epidemiology, economics, research methods, or statistics.
• Proficiency in R for data management and statistical analysis.
• Understanding of large language models, including practical experience using them via APIs or a strong willingness to learn.
• A strong interest in meta-science, open science practices, and research quality assessment.
• Familiarity with open and reproducible research principles.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work onsite in Bern with flexible scheduling.

Nice to have

• Opportunities to engage in additional collaborative research projects.
• Experience or interest in teaching in English or German.

What the company offers

• Competitive compensation: PhD candidates receive approximately CHF 50,000 gross annually (including a 13th month), while early-career Postdocs earn around CHF 91,000 gross.
• Access to a thriving intellectual environment in Bern, a growing hub for metascience across multiple disciplines.
• Training in research methods, scientific writing, and university pedagogy.
• Collaboration with a research group of approximately 10 researchers, postdocs, and faculty members.
• Support for fellowship and grant applications, as well as developing an independent research line.
• Living in Bern, a safe, walkable, UNESCO-listed city with excellent public transport, outdoor activities, and a vibrant academic community.
• Departmental support for international hires, including a streamlined process for B-permit residence applications.
• Flexible working hours and support for individual working needs.

About the company

The University of Bern fosters an interconnected academic community dedicated to advancing science through open-source tools and rigorous research. The department actively promotes diversity, welcoming applications from women and underrepresented groups in metascience and computational social sciences. Researchers join a team that values collaboration, international connections, and genuine improvement in scientific practices.

• Join a community of metascientists with strong international ties and a focus on cutting-edge open-source research.
• Work within a diverse research group that actively supports women and underrepresented individuals.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements and support for individual needs.
• Collaborate with a team that is committed to improving the quality and trustworthiness of science.