Postdoctoral Researcher in Family-Focused, Participatory Sepsis Research — Universität Zürich

Full description

Implementation Science in Nursing & PINNACLE Research Group

Start of employment January 2027 or by agreement, temporary

We invite applications for Postdoctoral Research within the PPIE/Family Work Package of the Learn4Sepsis, a UMZH-based research ecosystem for precision medicine and health care in sepsis. This PPIE/Family Work Package focuses on innovations in age-sensitive patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), research co-designs across the Learn4Sepsis research ecosystem, and family-reported outcome and experience measures (FROM/FREM) in sepsis, from newborns to older adults. The position is jointly based at the Implementation Science in Nursing Research Group at the University of Zurich / University Hospital of Zurich, and the PINNACLE Research Group of the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care & Neonatology at the University Children's Hospital Zurich, offering excellent opportunities to deepen your expertise in patient and public involvement and engagement, participatory research, and family-focused outcomes in sepsis across the lifespan and innovation in instrument development within an interdisciplinary, academic-clinical setting.

Your responsibilities

This Postdoctoral Research position will lead the PPIE/Family Work Package of the UMZH Learn4Sepsis, working closely with researchers, patient/family research partners, doctoral students and other researchers across the Learn4Sepsis ecosystem. Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to developing and implementing the PPIE framework and governance of the Learn4Sepsis ecosystem, including the set-up and support of a diverse patient and public panels across age groups and illness trajectories.
• Support the development, adaptation and delivery of PPIE activities within the Learn4Sepsis together with researchers, healthcare professionals and patient and family partners and the Swiss Sepsis Programme.
• Lead the development and evaluation of PPIE processes and outcomes using qualitative / mixed methods (e.g. surveys, focus groups), including ethical and practical aspects of partnering with children and vulnerable groups.
• Lead the scientific work on family-reported outcome and experience measures in sepsis (FROM/FREM): define core outcome set, review existing instruments, and select, adapt or co-develop measures with patient and family partners for use in the Swiss Sepsis Cohort and long-term follow-up.
• Support planning and coordination of WP-specific research activities, including funding acquisition, ethics submissions and data management.
• Collaborate closely with researchers across the Learn4Sepsis ecosystem and in specific work packages.
• Contribute to supervision of doctoral and master students.
• Coordinate dissemination activities of the work package, co-author peer-reviewed publications and contribute to scientific and public lay presentations, co-produced with patient partners.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in nursing, medicine, health sciences, or psychology, and a passion for partnering patients and families in sepsis research:

• PhD in Nursing or Clinical Science, Public Health, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.
• Strong interest in patient and public involvement and engagement, participatory research, and family-focused long-term outcomes of sepsis
• Emerging research profile in sepsis, PPIE, family-focused care, or long-term outcomes of critical illness is an asset.
• Clinical expertise in sepsis, nursing, medicine, allied health or critical care is an asset.
• Ability to work in partnership with patients, families, members of the public, clinicians, and researchers across Switzerland, with sensitivity to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and German.
• Proficient skills in interdisciplinary collaborations and project management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in diverse research teams.

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

Food

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

Healthcare

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

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

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

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

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

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

Questions about this listing