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Junior Project Officer – Education and Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) - Job Opportunity at Universität Bern

Bern, Switzerland
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 14, 2025
Hybrid
CHF 65,000 - 75,000 annually (approximately USD 72,000 - 83,000). This estimate reflects entry-level academic positions in Switzerland's university system, accounting for the country's high cost of living, competitive academic market, and the specialized nature of PPI work. University of Bern typically offers cantonal salary scales which are competitive within the Swiss academic sector.

Benefits

Flexible working hours enabling enhanced work-life balance and personal schedule optimization
Remote work opportunities providing geographic flexibility and reduced commuting costs
Comprehensive professional development programs within the University system offering continuous learning advancement
Access to Uni Sport facilities and activities promoting physical wellness and social networking
Cantonal salary structure with comprehensive social benefits ensuring competitive compensation and security
International and dynamic work environment fostering global perspective and cultural competency
Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge clinical research and patient involvement initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage comprehensive educational programs ensuring seamless delivery of clinical research training across multiple stakeholder groups
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with internal DCR units and external organizations like CTU Bern and sitem School to expand educational reach
Lead Patient and Public Involvement consultation processes that directly influence clinical research design and implementation across Switzerland
Create and manage digital educational content and platforms that serve as national resources for PPI training and development
Coordinate PPI contributor panels and outreach activities that shape the future of patient-centered research methodologies
Develop visibility and communication strategies including promotional materials that enhance DCR's national leadership position in PPI
Conduct research support activities including literature reviews and survey collection that contribute to evidence-based PPI practices

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in health sciences, Education, Public Health, Communication, or a related field

Experience

Interest in or initial experience with teaching or educational support at university level

Required Skills

Excellent communication skills in German and English (minimum B2–C1 level) Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively High attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to producing high-quality results Keen interest in clinical research and/or patient involvement in research

Certifications

A valid work permit for Switzerland
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is experiencing unprecedented growth as regulatory bodies worldwide increasingly mandate patient engagement in clinical research, creating substantial demand for specialists who can bridge the gap between academic research and public participation. The European Medicines Agency and FDA have both introduced guidelines requiring meaningful patient involvement in drug development processes. Digital transformation in medical education is accelerating post-pandemic, with institutions investing heavily in Learning Management Systems and online training platforms. This shift creates opportunities for professionals who can develop and manage digital educational content in specialized fields like clinical research. Switzerland's position as a global pharmaceutical hub with companies like Novartis, Roche, and numerous biotech firms creates a robust ecosystem for clinical research professionals. The country's investment in precision medicine and personalized healthcare approaches drives demand for PPI expertise.

Role Significance

Likely working within a team of 8-12 professionals across the DCR, with direct collaboration with 3-4 colleagues in education and PPI functions. The role involves matrix management across multiple departments and external partnerships, requiring strong interpersonal and coordination skills.
This is a developmental role designed for early-career professionals transitioning into specialized clinical research support. While junior in title, the position offers substantial responsibility in coordinating educational programs and managing PPI initiatives that directly impact research quality and patient outcomes. The 50/50 split between education and PPI work provides comprehensive exposure to both operational and strategic aspects of clinical research.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of comprehensive PPI training curricula for clinical researchers across multiple Swiss institutions Coordination of international educational partnerships and exchange programs in clinical research methodologies Management of digital transformation initiatives for clinical research education platforms Leadership of patient engagement strategies for major clinical trials and research initiatives

Success Factors

Bilingual proficiency in German and English is absolutely critical given Switzerland's multilingual environment and international research collaborations. Success requires seamless communication across cultural and linguistic boundaries while maintaining technical accuracy in specialized medical terminology. Strong project management capabilities with ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders simultaneously, including academic researchers, industry partners, patient representatives, and international collaborators. The role demands exceptional organizational skills to manage complex educational programs and PPI initiatives concurrently. Cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence for working with patient populations and public representatives, understanding that PPI work requires delicate balance between scientific rigor and human empathy. Success depends on building trust with diverse stakeholder groups. Adaptability to rapidly evolving digital educational technologies and platforms, as the role requires continuous learning and implementation of new tools for course delivery and participant engagement.

Market Demand

High demand with limited supply of qualified candidates. The intersection of education, clinical research, and patient involvement represents a niche but rapidly growing field, particularly in Switzerland's research-intensive environment.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual German-English communication skills are absolutely essential for success in Switzerland's multilingual research environment, where international collaboration is standard and precision in technical communication directly impacts research quality and patient safety. The ability to translate complex medical concepts across languages while maintaining cultural sensitivity is fundamental to effective PPI work. Learning Management System expertise is crucial as digital education platforms become the primary delivery method for clinical research training. Proficiency in LMS administration, content development, and user experience optimization directly impacts the reach and effectiveness of educational programs. Organizational and project coordination abilities are vital given the role's responsibility for managing multiple concurrent initiatives across diverse stakeholder groups. Success depends on seamless coordination between academic researchers, industry partners, patient representatives, and international collaborators.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with patient advocacy or healthcare communication would provide valuable foundation for PPI work, enhancing ability to engage meaningfully with patient communities and translate their perspectives into research improvements Background in regulatory affairs or clinical trial management would complement the educational and PPI focus, providing broader understanding of the research ecosystem and enhancing career advancement opportunities Digital marketing and social media skills would support visibility efforts and outreach activities, helping to expand the reach and impact of PPI initiatives across broader public audiences

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare opportunity to shape national PPI standards and practices in one of Europe's most influential research environments, with direct impact on how patient voices are integrated into clinical research across Switzerland
The position provides unique access to Switzerland's pharmaceutical industry through established partnerships, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and industry exposure for early-career professionals
Working at the intersection of education and patient involvement creates a distinctive professional profile that combines pedagogical skills with specialized healthcare knowledge, positioning the candidate for leadership roles in emerging fields
The role offers involvement in cutting-edge developments including the new Medical Data Science unit and Gender Medicine Unit, providing exposure to the latest trends in personalized medicine and healthcare innovation

Career Growth

Progression to senior roles typically occurs within 3-5 years, with accelerated advancement possible given the high demand for PPI expertise and Switzerland's competitive research environment. The University of Bern's strong industry connections provide excellent networking opportunities for career development.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Project Manager in Clinical Research with focus on multi-site trial coordination and regulatory affairs PPI Program Director leading national initiatives in patient engagement across multiple research institutions Clinical Research Education Coordinator managing university-wide training programs and international partnerships Health Policy Advisor specializing in patient engagement regulations and guidelines for government or pharmaceutical organizations

Company Overview

Universität Bern

The University of Bern represents one of Switzerland's most prestigious academic institutions, with the Department of Clinical Research positioning itself as a national leader in patient and public involvement initiatives. Established as an umbrella organization supporting clinical researchers, the DCR combines academic excellence with practical application, serving both the University of Bern and associated University Hospitals.

The DCR holds a commanding position in Switzerland's clinical research landscape, with national leadership in PPI and strong collaborative ties with major pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies. Its multidisciplinary approach and planned expansion with new units (Medical Data Science in 2025, Gender Medicine Unit in 2026) demonstrates strong institutional commitment and growth trajectory.
Based in Bern, the role provides access to Switzerland's political and administrative center while maintaining proximity to the country's major pharmaceutical corridor. The location offers unique advantages for engaging with both academic institutions and industry partners throughout the German-speaking region.
The DCR emphasizes collaborative, international engagement with a strong commitment to innovation and pedagogical excellence. The culture balances academic rigor with practical application, fostering an environment where theoretical knowledge directly translates into improved patient outcomes and research quality.
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