Research Fellow (m/f/d)

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

Research Fellow (m/f/d)

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

39.20 hours/ week (100 %) starting on 1. October 2025 (administrative clearance permitting) for the duration of 3 years.

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is one of the oldest epidemiological research institutes in Germany. With more than 200 employees, BIPS is focused on researching and developing preventive measures for non-communicable diseases. We work interdisciplinarily to develop scientifically-based approaches to disease prevention and health promotion. BIPS maintains close partnerships with renowned universities both in Germany and abroad to tackle global health issues.

The research group "Implementation Research and Mental Health" at BIPS is nested within the Department of Prevention and Evaluation and focuses specifically on the development and implementation of brief psychological interventions for anxiety disorders, depression, and alcohol misuse. Their focus is on vulnerable population groups including conflict-affected populations. The research group consists of epidemiologists and social scientists focusing on public health and policy measures to develop innovative solutions to close the global mental health care gap.

For our project HOME, we are looking for a committed research fellow who joins our team on 1 October 2025. HOME aims to improve psycho-social care of refugees in Germany. The ultimate goal of HOME is to establish a new care structure through the implementation of a transdiagnostic intervention by the World Health Organization (Problem Management Plus/PM+) in the state of Bremen. Project HOME is funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees for a duration of 3 years.

Main activities and responsibilities

• Scientific coordination of the project HOME which aims to evaluate and maintain the implementation of PM+ for refugees in Bremen. You will be responsible for planning the situational analysis, supporting the training of lay health care providers in PM+, leading the scientific evaluation of the implementation, and overseeing any adjustments to the implementation of PM+ through the delivery of implementation strategies.
• Conducting qualitative interviews for several interim process evaluations and leading their analysis.
• Conducting participatory research methods such as Photo-Voice and utilizing insights for the evaluation of the implementation.
• Collaborating cooperatively with non-governmental organizations and partners in Bremen and nationwide to establish structures that sustainably contribute to community-based psycho-social care of marginalized groups.
• Developing a national implementation plan for the sustainable implementation of PM+ in Germany, which enables access to community-based psycho-social care for marginalized groups.
• Independently writing scientific publications and policy briefs.
• Contributing your own ideas for further research questions (within or related to project HOME) and leading their execution.
• Supporting the development and drafting of additional scientific proposals.

Requirements

• A postgraduate degree, ideally a doctoral degree in mental health, public health, or related fields
• Relevant experience in the prevention of mental health problems or in the delivery of psychosocial care
• Experience in the implementation of interventions and their evaluation, or willingness to learn and familiarize yourself with implementation science
• Knowledge of conducting situation analyses and systematic reviews
• Very good knowledge of conducting qualitative interviews and analyzing qualitative data
• Very good knowledge of both German and English
• Willingness to relocate to Bremen.

The cooperation with local partners requires strong communication skills in German, a high level of commitment, independent work and the ability to successfully integrate into an interdisciplinary team.

What we offer

The Leibniz Institute of 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 U 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”).

Enquiries to: Prof. Daniela Fuhr, E-Mail: fuhr[at]leibniz-bips[dot]de

Additional information can be found on our homepage: leibniz-bips[dot]de/en.

How to apply

Please send us your letter of motivation and CV by May 4, 2025 by email as a single pdf to: bewerbung[at]leibniz-bips[dot]de

Applications should be sent quoting the reference number A25-05