As a PostDoc (m/f/d) in the Department of Psychology of Digitalization, you will support the interdisciplinary research project “Innovating Higher Education and Research for Generation Alpha: A Collaborative Digital Transformation” (duration April 2025 – September 2026). This project aims to prepare the University of Bern (but also other universities) for the challenges and opportunities posed by Generation Alpha (born 2010-2025). This generation, having grown up with constant access to digital technologies, needs targeted support to effectively use digital skills for learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. At the same time, universities are faced with the task of bridging digital gaps between generations, optimizing university processes, and exploiting the potential of digitalization. The project plans to establish a “Community of Practice” (CoP) – a collaborative network of professionals and researchers from diverse backgrounds who share a common interest: to advance digital transformation at universities efficiently and with a focus on goals. This CoP aims to develop an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary working model to address the opportunities and challenges of Generation Alpha and the necessary technological advances at universities. A key role in this project will be played by a postdoctoral researcher who will be responsible for coordinating the CoP and conducting empirical studies on the identified fields of action. The goal of this 17-month position is also to support the long-term establishment of the project at the University of Bern by preparing a network funding application. If funding is available, this application may also create the possibility of extending the postdoctoral position and further project activities. The position also offers the opportunity to use at least 50% of working time (in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Bern) for research activities in the field of digitalization of higher education. Thus, the position not only opens up the opportunity to actively shape the digital transformation of universities but also offers excellent prospects for further developing one’s academic career.
- Coordination of the CoP and organization of meetings and workshops, as well as documentation of these
- Conducting literature research and empirical studies on the identified fields of action
- Development and evaluation of innovative teaching and learning strategies for the digital age
- Presentation and publication of research results in national and international contexts
- Support in preparing an application for long-term securing of the project
- Completed doctorate in psychology, educational sciences, economics, media studies, philosophy, evaluation, digitalization or similar fields
- Publication activity and (ideally) university teaching experience
- Research experience or interest in the areas of digitalization (e.g. digital education), competence development and/or innovative higher education didactics
- Interest in the Swiss higher education landscape and ideally experience with this
- Very good knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and statistical analysis techniques
- High motivation to apply Open Science practices
- Teamwork skills, organizational talent and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Very good communication skills
- German as a native speaker or equivalent German language skills and very good written and spoken English skills
- An innovative research environment at a leading Swiss university
- Collaboration with experts from different disciplines
- Opportunity to actively shape the digital transformation at a university
- Varied, responsible tasks
- Freedom for your own research activities
- Access to infrastructure and resources of the Psychology of Digitalization Department
- A competitive salary in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Bern and a high quality of life in Bern
- Flexible working hours with the option of working from home
Documents to be submitted:
- Cover letter outlining your motivation and qualifications for the position
- CV (including list of publications)
- Proof of doctorate
- A representative example of your (written) scientific work (e.g. excerpt from research proposal, publication as first or sole author, or excerpt from dissertation)
