PhD Student Occupational Therapy

The Department of Health at OST is responsible for the fields of nursing, nursing science, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy for teaching, continuing education, research and development, and services. In the field of occupational therapy and in the future HumanHealthTech competence center, we combine scientific findings with a consistent practical orientation and make an important contribution to the further development of future-oriented occupational therapeutic care. Our research at the interface of occupational therapy and artificial intelligence (AI) is carried out in close cooperation with interdisciplinary national and international partners from science and practice. A special focus is on innovative, especially AI-supported digital applications and their importance for occupational therapeutic practice. In doing so, a focus lies on pediatrics, without our research being exclusively limited to this area. The position: The position offers the opportunity to qualify scientifically and to participate in research and service projects at the interface of occupational therapy, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). At the center are quantitative and qualitative research work, participation in scientific publications and research proposals, as well as participation in teaching. In this way, the position combines research, scientific further development, and transfer into occupational therapeutic practice. To strengthen our team, we are looking for an engaged personality as a PhD student in occupational therapy (60% - 100%) as of 01. February 2027 or by arrangement. You will actively participate in research projects. Your activities include data collection and evaluation as well as scientific publishing. In addition, you will participate in teaching in the Bachelor's degree program in occupational therapy. Work locations are Buchs and St.Gallen. ###

Your field of activity

• Recruitment of study participants as well as data collection and analysis of qualitative data, especially semi-structured interviews, as well as data collection and analysis of quantitative data
• Participation in organization, data management, and quality assurance of research projects
• Writing scientific publications as well as co-development of research proposals
• Presentation of research results at national and international congresses as well as participation in teaching in the Bachelor's degree program in occupational therapy

Your expertise

• Master of Science in occupational therapy or equivalent training
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and experience with relevant software (e.g., SAS, MAXQDA, SPSS); practical experience as an occupational therapist and with technology- or AI-supported applications is an advantage
• Strong interest in research at the interface of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), and occupational therapy as well as high scientific curiosity
• Very good German and English skills; French or Italian skills are an advantage

Your benefits with us

Questions regarding the application process

Sylvia Iten
HR Business Partner
sylvia.iten@ost.ch

About OST

OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule is an intercantonal and interstate university of applied sciences with locations in Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona and St.Gallen. With excellent Bachelor's and Master's degree programs as well as up-to-date continuing education, we train future-oriented specialists and managers. In the field of application-oriented research and development as well as services, we are among the leading institutions nationally.