Graduate Assistant in Cognitive Psychology

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Institute of Psychology (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences) of the University of Lausanne has a vacancy for a Graduate Assistant in Cognitive Psychology

The position is under the responsibility of Professor Christine Mohr, and co-supervised by Dr Domicele Jonauskaite. Over the past 10 years, we have been interested in the links between colour and affect. We are using diverse behavioural and psychophysiological measures to understand how colour and affect (emotions, moods, preferences) are linked across diverse populations (children, elderly, colour-blind, blind) and in over 70 countries. We conduct studies online, in controlled laboratory setting, virtual reality (VR) as well as real spaces (e.g., light rooms, museums).

The candidate is thus expected to develop work within this framework. The tasks include but are not limited to

• Design, implementation, evaluation and documentation of empirical studies


• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences


• Publications as well as documentation of these findings in relevant academic journals, following the best research practices


• Contribution to institute-related activities

Job information

Start date: 01.08.2025

Duration of the contract: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Rate of activity: 100%

Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny, Géopolis

Gross annual salary: CHF 67’165, increasing each year according to the salary scale

Your responsibilities

• 50% of the activity rate is dedicated to the realization of a doctoral thesis. The thesis project is developed with the supervisors, based on the candidate’s own interests, curiosity, and creativity.

• 50% of the activity rate is dedicated to the support of teaching and research tasks. The teaching activities are conducted under the responsibility of the designated lecturer. The research activities are conducted in collaboration with other researchers to support additional ongoing research projects.

The detailed job description can be found here

Your qualifications

We are looking to hire a person with the following profile:

• Master in Psychology, Cognitive Science, and related fields, or equivalent title.


• Interest in pursuing research activities and developing a thesis in the field of cognitive psychology, with a focus on colour and affect, in line with the research interests of the Colour Experience Group (Prof Christine Mohr, Dr Domicele Jonauskaite, see https://www.colourexperience.ch ).


• Experience in designing, planning, executing and analysing empirical studies.


• Proficiency in the usual computer software (e.g., Word, Powerpoint, Excel), bibliographic management software (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero), and statistical analysis software (e.g. R Studio).


• Knowledge of programming or willingness to learn it would be a plus.


• High command of English and French (written and spoken), or advanced abilities that can be brought to a high level in a realistic period of time (teaching activities are generally in French, research activities are in English).


• Organizational skills, discipline, collaborative and group spirit; ability to work both autonomously and independently, and as part of a research team; intellectual curiosity and passion for science.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Prof. Christine Mohr
E-Mail schreiben

Dr. Domicele Jonauskaite
E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Application deadline: 25.05.2025

We kindly ask you to send us the following documents in PDF format via the recruitment online system: 

• Letter of motivation


• Academic CV with copies of university diplomas and transcripts of grades obtained, as well as names of two people of reference


• An academic text (chapter of master's thesis, scientific article, etc.)


• A draft of an idea for a thesis project (1 to 2 pages)


• Reference letter(s) from previous research-related position(s) are desired but not obligatory

Only applications sent through this site will be considered.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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