Implementation Science in Health Care
PhD position in Nursing Implementation Science 80 %
Start of employment 1 April 2026 or by agreement, temporary
The Implementation Science in Nursing Group is based at the Medical Faculty's Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care and the University Hospital Zurich's Center of Clinical Nursing Science. Our research focuses on family health interventions and innovative, nurse-led models of care, primarily in acute-critical settings. We have a dual focus on intervention and implementation science research.
We invite applications for a 3.5-year PhD position in the SNSF-funded FICUScale implementation-effectiveness trial, which investigates the national scale-up of an evidence-informed, family-focused model of care in intensive care units (FICUS). This position will offer excellent opportunities to develop research expertise in implementation and nursing science in an interdisciplinary, multi-lingual context.
Your responsibilities
This PhD position is embedded in the first two work packages of the FICUScale study, which will use co-design methodologies to develop (1) a scalable unit of the FICUS model of care, and (2) scale-up implementation strategies. Responsibilities included:
* Plan, organize, and conduct participatory workshops with different groups.
* Use intervention design methods to prepare FICUS model of care for national scaling.
* Develop and specify implementation and scale-up strategies using implementation science and participatory methodologies.
* Collect and analyze contextual and expert data (structured surveys, spoken or fee text, field notes).
* Develop intervention and implementation theory applicable to family-focused nursing.
* Collaborate with and support implementation / resource system during the trial.
* Support research tasks within the hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial.
upport local research teams during the trial.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in nursing or health sciences:
* Master of Science in Nursing or related field.
* Strong interest in family-focused health care and implementation science methodology.
* Some prior research experience in clinical settings (knowledge in participatory methodologies is an asset).
* Willingness to work closely with patients, families, clinicians, and researchers across Switzerland.
* Excellent command of written and spoken English.
* Sound communication skills in German, French, or Italian.
* Capacity for interdisciplinary collaborations and project management.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in groups.
Information on your application
The PhD student will need to fulfil eligibility criteria for the PhD program Care and Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Zurich.
Office address starting in spring 2026: Plattenstrasse 10, 8032 Zurich
Please apply via the job portal by 10 December 2025. Please submit your electronic application (in a single PDF file), outlining your motivation for the position, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication record, and certificates.
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
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
* Special conditions on hotel reservations
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
Location
Implementation Science in Health Care
Universitätstrasse 84, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Rahel Naef
Professor
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