Implementation Science in Health Care

PhD position in Nursing Implementation Science 80 %

Start of employment 1 September 2026 or by agreement, temporary

The Implementation Science in Nursing Group is based at the Medical Faculty's Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care and the University Hospital Zurich's Center of Clinical Nursing Science. Our research focuses on family health interventions and innovative, nurse-led models of care, primarily in acute-critical settings. We have a dual focus on intervention and implementation science research.

We invite applications for a 3.5-year PhD position in the SNSF-funded FICUScale implementation-effectiveness trial, which investigates the national scale-up of an evidence-informed, family-focused model of care in intensive care units (FICUS). This position will offer excellent opportunities to develop research expertise in implementation and nursing science in an interdisciplinary, multi-lingual context.

Your responsibilities

This PhD position is embedded in the third work package of the FICUScale study, which tests the effectiveness of different combinations of spreading and scaling strategies using a cluster-randomized trial. Responsibilities included:
  • Support the preparation of the hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial, including data capture systems and training of local research team.
  • Recruit family members and collect data through structured surveys.
  • Contribute actively to data management, cleaning, and validating of the trial data set.
  • Coordinate and conduct qualitative data collection with critical care clinicians and analyze the data.
  • Prepare, collaborate with and support local research teams during the trial.
  • Support trial data analysis.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in nursing or health sciences:
  • Master of Science in Nursing or related field.
  • Strong interest in family-focused health care and implementation science methodology.
  • Some prior research experience in clinical settings (knowledge of intervention or implementation research is an asset).
  • Willingness to work closely with patients, families, clinicians, and researchers across Switzerland.
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English.
  • Sound communication skills in German, French, or Italian.
  • Capacity for interdisciplinary collaborations and project management.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in groups.

Information on your application

The PhD student will need to fulfil eligibility criteria for the PhD program Care and Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Zurich.

Office address starting in spring 2026: Plattenstrasse 10, 8032 Zurich

Please apply via the job portal by 10 January 2026. Please submit your electronic application (in a single PDF file), outlining your motivation for the position, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication record, and certificates.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Rahel Naef Professor +41 44 634 37 49
Contact Form

Contact question to: Rahel Naef

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

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

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH