At the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, we are looking for a
PhD student (starting earliest February 2023)
as part of a Clinical Research Priority Program (CRPP) “Synapse, Trauma & Addiction”
(STA). Mission of this CRPP is to investigate the molecular basis of trauma and drug
memories, identify possible treatments for trauma and substance use disorders to advance
clinical interventions. You will be based at the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (Prof.
Birgit Kleim and Prof. Boris Quednow). The PhD work will cover experimental trauma and
drug memory models and modulation of trauma and drug-related intrusive memories. Basic
science findings on synaptic plasticity will be translated for clinical application and the work will
thus encompass a clinical study in PTSD and substance use patients.
What we expect from you
We are looking for highly motivated, communicative individuals, who wish to pursue a career
in clinical or biological psychology, psychiatry, or clinical neuroscience. The positions require
a strong interest in these fields, motivation to acquire experimental and clinical skills, ability to
do team research in a structured environment, and excellent communication qualities to
interact with patients. The candidate will have experience in, or be motivated to learn, data
analysis in R. Previous experience in experimental paradigms, data analysis, or programming,
would be useful. Applicants should have an MSc in psychology, medicine, or neuroscience.
Fluent English and German is mandator.
What we offer
We offer an interdisciplinary setting with unique state-of-the-art methodologies in well-
equipped research labs. There will be ample opportunities to collaborate between the different
labs, including the possibility to also work at the animal facilities and work on animal models in
parallel to human clinical models. Students attend joint lab meetings, seminars and journal
club discussions between the labs (all based at the University of Zurich).
The UZH has dedicated graduate schools in which PhDs are trained in modern research and
analysis techniques, as well as communication and teaching skills.
For enquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Birgit Kleim (email:
birgit.kleim@uzh.ch) or Prof. Boris Quednow (email: quednow@bli.uzh.ch).
Please e-mail your application as one PDF document to dorjee.bargeman@pukzh.ch
Enclosures: cover letter; statement of research interest; CV with publication list; BA/MSc
certificates with course grades; reference letters or contacts of two referees.
Application deadline: Till the positions are filled.