PhD Student (m/f/d/x)

Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS GmbH; Bremen; On-site; EUR 31,248 - 40,176; Full time

Job summary

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS invites applications for a PhD Student (m/f/d/x) in the unit of Implementation Research and Mental Health. The role is a 70% (27.44 hrs/week) position starting 1 October 2026 for three years, with Salary Scale 13 TV-L.

The research group focuses on developing and evaluating evidence‐based mental health interventions, bridging implementation science with real-world prevention practice across national and international

Qualifications

• Above-average Master's degree in Public Health, Sociology, Psychology or related.
• Strong interest in implementation science and public health interventions.
• Knowledge of empirical methods and mixed-methods, incl. qualitative research.
• Ability to work independently with initiative and strong teamwork.
• Excellent written and spoken English and German.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and conduct a doctoral research project (DrPH).
• Participate in the institute's doctoral training program.
• Publish findings in international journals and present at conferences.

Skills

English proficiency

German proficiency

Implementation science

Qualitative interviews

Research methods

Independent work

Teamwork

Participatory research

Education

Master's degree in Public Health

Master’s degree in Sociology

Master’s degree in Psychology

Related discipline

Job description

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, unit of “Implementation Research and Mental Health” led by Prof. Dr. Daniela Fuhr is offering a position as

PhD Student (m/f/d/x)

Salary Scale 13 of the German Public Sector Salary System (TV‑L)

27.44 hours/week (70 %) starting from 1 October 2026 for the duration of 3 years.

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is one of Germany's leading epidemiological research institutes. With more than 200 employees, BIPS conducts interdisciplinary research to advance the prevention of non‑communicable diseases and to develop evidence‑based strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. Through close collaborations with leading universities and research institutions in Germany and internationally, BIPS contributes to addressing major public health challenges worldwide.

The research group Implementation Research and Mental Health, based within the Department of Prevention and Evaluation, focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‑based interventions to prevent common mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and alcohol misuse. Bringing together expertise from epidemiology, psychology, public health, and the social sciences, the group conducts implementation research to improve the uptake, scale‑up, and sustainability of effective mental health interventions in routine practice.

Starting from 1 October 2026, we are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher (DrPH candidate) to join our team in advancing the methodological development of implementation science in the field of evidence‑based prevention. The doctoral project will focus on the following areas: Investigating implementation strategies currently used in evidence‑based prevention in Germany; Analysing the potential for adapting and further developing implementation strategies for community‑based preventive interventions; Identifying and evaluating existing public datasets with regard to their suitability for implementation research.

We are therefore looking for a candidate with a strong interest in the methodological foundations of implementation science and a commitment to bridging the gap between implementation research and real‑world prevention practice. The overarching goal of the project is to generate methodological advances that support the sustainable implementation and scale‑up of evidence‑based preventive interventions.

Job scope and candidate profile

Tasks

• Independently plan and conduct a doctoral research project (DrPH) focusing on the methodological advancement of implementation science in evidence‑based prevention, aligned with the research questions outlined above.
• Actively participate in the institute's structured doctoral training program.
• Publish research findings in international peer‑reviewed journals and present results at national and international scientific conferences.

Requirements

• An above‑average Master's degree in Public Health, Sociology, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in implementation science and the implementation of evidence‑based public health interventions for the prevention of non‑communicable diseases.
• Scientific curiosity and solid knowledge of empirical research methods and mixed‑methods, particularly qualitative and participatory research methods.
• The ability to work independently in a structured and proactive manner, with a high level of initiative and strong teamwork skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Initial experience in implementation science, particularly in the implementation and evaluation of public health interventions.
• Experience in the planning, conduct, and analysis of qualitative interviews.
• Knowledge of, or practical experience with, participatory research methods.
• Excellent written and spoken German.

What we offer

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is a renowned epidemiological research institute in the North of Germany. We offer a stimulating international environment, close ties to the University of Bremen and an engaged, supportive and cooperative team. We also offer additional support for international scholars to relocate to Germany through the Welcome Center of the University of Bremen Research Alliance. We support your professional development through training and development opportunities and provide access to a broad academic network. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority conditional on equal professional and personal qualifications. The institute strives to promote its employees' work‑life balance and has been certified for its family friendliness (audit “berufundfamilie”).