Research Fellow (m/f/d) for the research group "Implementation Research and Mental Health"

Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS GmbH

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

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 3,5 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 interdisciplinary 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. The research group consists of epidemiologists, psychologists 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 STRESS-CARE, we are looking for a committed research fellow who joins our team on 1 October 2025. STRESS-CARE aims to strengthen adolescents’ mental health and stress management skills in order to prevent mental health problems and reduce existing psychological burdens. As part of a nationwide multicenter study conducted at seven sites (including Bremen, Saarbrücken, and Braunschweig), we are evaluating STRESS-CARE — a stepped-care prevention program with the following core components:

• “Mental health project days”,
• A digital emotion regulation training, and
• Tailored e-mental health modules, depending on the individual risk profile of adolescents.

The STRESS-CARE intervention is a cross-sectoral and transdiagnostic prevention program designed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is being implemented among secondary school students in the 8th and 9th grades. The program’s effectiveness is being evaluated through randomized controlled trials. STRESS-CARE is funded by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) and has a duration of 3.5 years.

Main activities and responsibilities
 

• Methodological support for the feasibility and efficacy study:
  • Development of the study protocol for the pilot study (that can be used across all sites)
  • Design of interview guides for qualitative data collection (for pilot and efficacy studies)
  • Conducting trainings on qualitative methods (data collection & analysis) to support other project sites
  • Finalization of study protocols for the randomized controlled trials (RCT)
  • Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Methodological support for the process evaluation
  • Investigation of implementation barriers and development of site-specific implementation strategies
• Overall coordination of the project in Bremen (particularly the management of key project processes within the pilot and efficacy study, and coordination of ethics applications; conduct of qualitative interviews and analyses for the Bremen site)
• Collaborating cooperatively with project partners across Germany and with relevant other external stakeholders
• Writing and contributing to scientific publications, as well as presenting findings at academic conferences

Minimum Requirements (Required):
 

• University degree (Master’s) in psychology, health sciences, or comparable fields of study
• Knowledge in the scientific evaluation of health interventions 
• Strong skills in conducting qualitative interviews and in the analysis of qualitative data
• Excellent German and English language skills, both written and spoken

Desirable Qualifications (Preferred):
 

• Doctorate (PhD) in psychology, health sciences, or comparable fields of study
• Experience in the prevention of mental illness or in psychosocial care
• Familiarity with methodological requirements and procedures of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluating health-related interventions

The cooperation with local partners and other sites in Germany 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 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 UBremen 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@leibniz-bips.de

Additional information can be found on our homepage: https://www.leibniz-bips.de/en.       


How to apply
Please send us your letter of motivation and CV by September 15, 2025 by email as a single pdf to: 

bewerbung@leibniz-bips.de

Applications should be sent quoting the reference number A25/28