Scientific Collaborator / Researcher 40% – 80%

The overarching goal of the Interfaculty Centre for Educational Research (ICER) is to promote analytical-empirical findings in educational research. Among other things, ICER coordinates the large-scale assessments “Überprüfung der Grundkompetenzen (ÜGK)” and the “Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)” for Switzerland.
In the “Data & Infrastructure” division of ICER, a position is available as of September 1, 2024 or by arrangement as a Scientific Collaborator / Researcher (40% – 80%) in accordance with the cantonal conditions of employment. The position is initially limited to 3 years; a contract renewal is possible.

Scientific Collaborator / Researcher

• Independent handling of selected topics and tasks within the data management of large-scale assessments: data preparation and provision and, depending on suitability and agreed amount of working hours, also in the areas of (IRT-) scaling, sampling and/or further development of data management tools
• Analysis of data from large-scale assessments and the preparation and presentation of the results for education policy
• Involvement in the preparation and implementation of large-scale assessments
• Co-/Authoring journal articles for publication, especially with data from the projects ÜGK and PISA
• Involvement in the conceptual preparation and development of follow-up projects
• Collaborating with the ICER staff in writing grant proposals

• University degree, preferably in a social or economic science subject (e.g. social sciences, education, economics, psychology) or in the fields of applied statistics/data science; Ph.D. desired
• Professional experience in a research-related environment is desired
• High interest in current topics of educational research; previous experience in the field is a plus
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative methods of empirical social research, test theory and/or sampling
• Experience in analyzing data with complex sampling designs and/or in (IRT) scaling of data from large-scale assessments is a plus
• Excellent command of a powerful statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, Python), with at least solid basic knowledge in R
• Further programming skills (e.g. in the area of web or database) are a plus
• Ability to present complex results understandably and concisely in German, French, or English as well as very good knowledge of one (additional) national language
• Working collaboratively in a team

• Working on major national and international projects with high educational and social relevance
• Responsible and varied work content
• A research oriented, intellectually diverse working environment. Motivated, dynamic, and cooperative team
• Further training opportunities in the field of quantitative social research
• Possibility of a dissertation (upon agreement)
• Modern infrastructure
• Flexible working hours
• Employment according to cantonal employment conditions

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Simon Seiler, Head of “Data & Infrastructure”: E-Mail schreiben, +41 (0)31 684 54 16.

If you are interested, please send your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, proof of qualifications and references) in a single PDF file to Ms. Rahel Hunziker, Administration of the ICER office: E-Mail schreiben.