Vacancies
Legal Psychology
The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties, two academies and two university research centres. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.
The new Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology focuses on innovative research projects that support professional care in Switzerland and contribute to Lucerne's positioning as an international research hub on human sciences. The faculty offers courses at both the bachelor's and postgraduate levels and will begin offering a Master's degree programme in 2027. In the future, the faculty will also feature state-of-the-art behavioural science laboratories and a psychotherapy clinic.
The new Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology focuses on innovative research projects that support professional care in Switzerland and contribute to Lucerne's positioning as an international research hub on human sciences. The faculty offers courses at both the bachelor's and postgraduate levels and will begin offering a Master's degree programme in 2027. In the future, the faculty will also feature state-of-the-art behavioural science laboratories and a psychotherapy clinic.
Research at the Chair of Legal Psychology, which is currently being established, focuses on the application of cognitive and social psychological theories and findings in a legal context.
The research projects are dedicated in particular to questions of investigative interviewing (interviewing strategies; best practice; decision-making processes with innocent suspects) and cognitive distortions.
The questions are investigated with the help of various methodological approaches (e.g. vignettes, mock crimes), often using a mixed-methods approach.
We are also interested in the use and benefits of new technologies (e.g. large language models, virtual reality) in the context of legal psychology.
As of the 1 January 2025 or by agreement, we are looking for a
The research projects are dedicated in particular to questions of investigative interviewing (interviewing strategies; best practice; decision-making processes with innocent suspects) and cognitive distortions.
The questions are investigated with the help of various methodological approaches (e.g. vignettes, mock crimes), often using a mixed-methods approach.
We are also interested in the use and benefits of new technologies (e.g. large language models, virtual reality) in the context of legal psychology.
As of the 1 January 2025 or by agreement, we are looking for a
Predoctoral Researcher (non-qualification position) part-time50-80%
Tasks
- Conducting research projects (incl. literature reviews, project preparation, preregistration on SF, data collection, project coordination)
- Quantitative data analysis
- Publication of research in international peer-reviewed journals
- Assisting in writing grant proposals for third-party funding
- Participation in national and international networks
- Contributing to the development of the chair and participating in teaching activities and student supervision within the faculty / chair
Requirements
- Above-average university degree (Master's or Diploma) in Psychology or a related field (must be completed at the time of appointment)
- Strong interest in the research areas of the Chair of Legal Psychology
- Enthusiasm and passion for science
- Experience in conducting a research project independently
- Good knowledge of quantitative statistical analyses and statistical analysis software
- Very good German and English language skills (spoken and written)
- Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as a high degree of reliability and independence
- The following experiences/qualifications are desirable but not required:
- Expertise in legal psychology, social psychology, or cognitive psychology
- Programming skills (e.g., R) or willingness to acquire such skills independently
- Experience with qualitative data analysis
- Familiarity with technologies such as virtual reality or large language models
We offer
- Opportunity to contribute to scientific projects and publications
- Support in the development and refinement of scientific skills, such as methodological expertise, data management, and data analysis
- Participation in the research group's projects, with opportunities for national and international collaborations
- Access to a modern behavioral, experimental, and psychophysiological laboratory
- Opportunity to contribute to the establishment of the chair at a young and dynamic faculty
- On-site workplace, with the option to work partially from home after an initial onboarding period
- Dedicated and regular supervision
- Employment percentage negotiable within the specified range
- The position is fixed-term (1 year), with the option to transition into a position as a PhD Candidate (research assistant with the intention to pursue a PhD).
Note: This position is advertised at both predoctoral and postdoctoral level; however, only one appointment will be made. The terms of employment are in accordance with the personnel regulations of the Canton of Lucerne.
For further information, please contact Ass.-Prof. Helen Wyler: helen.wyler@unilu.ch. If you do not fully meet the job requirements but would still like to apply, please also contact Ass.-Prof. Dr. Helen Wyler.
For further information, please contact Ass.-Prof. Helen Wyler: helen.wyler@unilu.ch. If you do not fully meet the job requirements but would still like to apply, please also contact Ass.-Prof. Dr. Helen Wyler.
Apply online by 9 December 2024 at the latest (incl. letter of motivation stating the desired level of employment, CV, references, diplomas, Master's thesis) via our job portal
