PhD Candidate in Forensic Psychology (100%) University of Basel in Switzerland

The University of Basel, Switzerland’s oldest university, invites applications for a PhD position in Forensic Psychology within its Faculty of Psychology. The faculty is renowned for its research focus on Society & Choice and Health & Interventions, and the newly established Forensic Psychology research group applies psychological theories, methods, and empirical findings to legal issues. This PhD position is part of the project “Disclosures of abuse and intrafamilial violence to ChatGPT and other chatbots,” funded by the Swiss National Research Foundation (SNSF).

The successful candidate will investigate research questions related to the project, including planning and conducting studies, preparing and collecting data, analyzing results, and disseminating findings. The role also involves building and maintaining research and practice collaborations, including participation in an expert advisory group, and presenting research at academic journals, conferences, and within the Graduate School of Psychology.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field. Interest in forensic psychology research is essential, and prior experience in research or practice (such as internships or work as a court expert witness) is advantageous. Candidates should possess strong skills in research methods and statistical analysis, including structural equation modeling and machine learning, and be proficient in statistical software such as R, STATA, and Mplus. Teamwork, communication, organizational skills, and a reliable work ethic are required. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory, while knowledge of German is beneficial.

The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the Faculty of Psychology and participate in the Graduate School’s educational program. The candidate will be involved in the research group’s projects and benefit from national and international collaboration opportunities, as well as access to a state-of-the-art behavioral, experimental, and psychophysiology laboratory.

The University of Basel values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Application documents should include a one-page cover letter addressed to Prof. Dr. Jelena Zumbach-Basu, a CV with research output, relevant certificates, and an example of academic work (e.g., master’s thesis or seminar paper). Applications must be submitted via the online portal; submissions through other channels will not be considered. The review of applications begins June 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Jelena Zumbach-Basu at [email protected] using “PhD vacancy” as the email subject.

Application link: Apply here