PhD student (100%)

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The OST - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is an intercantonal and interstate university of applied sciences with locations in Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona, and St. Gallen. We educate future-oriented specialists and leaders with excellent bachelor's and master's degree programmes and cutting-edge continuing education courses. We are one of the leading national institutions in the field of applied research, development and services.
 
The Department of Health aims to achieve a noticeable impact for patients and professionals in research and teaching. Future health care professionals will place the individual at the centre of their care. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated 
 
PhD Student (100%)
 
to start on 1 March 2025, or by agreement. You will be based at OST, St. Gallen, and embedded into the doctoral school of the University of Zurich (UZH), Department of Psychology.
 
The project:
For this attractive challenge, we are looking for someone with an interest in practice-oriented and applied research to join a project financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): “Beyond the barriers: A digital screening tool to promote communication and help-seeking for the mental health of men in the primary care setting”.
 
Significant gender-related disparities for mental health suggest that men often show poorer outcomes and reduced help-seeking of professional support. By uncovering gender-specific biases and barriers to patient help-seeking and communication (e.g., stereotypical concepts and social norms, stigma, mental health literacy), this knowledge can be directly implemented in clinical practice to improve screening procedures for men’s mental health. We therefore aim to develop and evaluate a digital tool for screening the mental health of men in the primary care setting. 
 
This is a 3-year, mixed-methods project, conducted in German-speaking Switzerland. A quantitative survey will assess gender differences in mental health and help-seeking behaviour. A qualitative study, consisting of interviews and focus groups, will examine the lived experience of mental health help-seeking, associated barriers and facilitators, and design input on the digital tool. The findings will inform the gender-sensitive development of the digital screening tool for men’s mental health.

Your tasks:

  • Conducting a literature review on the specific needs, barriers, and facilitators related to men's mental health and help-seeking behaviour
  • Preparation, recruitment, and data collection on the quantitative questionnaire survey
  • Lead the qualitative study: Development of qualitative interview and focus group guides, participant recruitment, conducting the interviews and focus groups, transcription and analysis (with the team)
  • Assisting the project postdoc in the final evaluation study for the digital screening tool (e.g., preparation, recruitment)
  • Co-supervision of master students and interns on the project (together with project lead)

Your qualifications:

  • Very good academic degree, Master of Science (Psychology)
  • Experience in quantitative (survey) and qualitative analysis – Previous experience conducting qualitative interviews and/or focus groups is beneficial
  • Good knowledge of software for statistical analysis (e.g. SPSS, R), qualitative analysis (e.g., MAXQDA), and literature management (e.g., Endnote, Citavi)
  • Independent and efficient way of working
  • Fluent Swiss German and very good level of English (written and spoken)

We offer:

  • Doctorate in a structured doctoral programme (UZH)
  • Your own area of varied and challenging research activity in a dynamic environment with the opportunity to exchange ideas with committed colleagues with interdisciplinary expertise
  • Flexible working hours and progressive working conditions
  • A workplace at St. Gallen, in the immediate vicinity of the train station
Have we sparked your interest, and do you have the desired qualification? Then we look forward to receiving your application via our online tool by 28 February 2025 at the latest. For further information, please contact Dr. Shauna L. Rohner, project lead at the Mental Health Competence Centre, by email shauna.rohner@ost.ch.