PhD Student – Department of Health, Move-IT Competence Center, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Summary

The Department of Health at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is hiring a full-time PhD Student for its Move-IT Competence Center in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The position focuses on developing and researching digital health services and exergames for health promotion and proactive dementia prevention. Main duties include leading research projects using mixed-methods approaches, organizing co-design workshops, furthering exergame software, supervising student theses, and contributing to scientific publications. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Game Design, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Movement Sciences, or a related field, along with strong programming skills. The contract is offered for two years with an option to extend. Applications are accepted until October 25, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Health, Move-IT Competence Center
Position Type	PhD Student
Discipline	Game Design / Software Engineering / Computer Science / Health Sciences
Research Area	Digital health services, exergames, health promotion, and proactive dementia prevention
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Programming skills in JavaScript, Python, Unity or similar; experience with or interest in Agentic AI
Contract Duration	2 years with option to extend
Deadline	2026-10-25
Required Documents	Complete application dossier
Employer Address	Department of Health, Move-IT Competence Center St. Gallen Campus, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Eling Douwe de Bruin ([email protected]) or Sylvia Iten, HR Business Partner

About the Project

The research focuses on creating and evaluating innovative care models using digital health services and exergames. The candidate will run co-design workshops and user tests to adapt exergames for proactive dementia prevention and health promotion in an aging population, using mixed-methods approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative research.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate research projects, including co-design workshops and user tests
• Further develop exergame software
• Collaborate with the OST team, Stepwave, and external research and practice partners
• Contribute to scientific publications and present results at conferences
• Supervise bachelor's and master's theses and support students

Required Skills

• Master's degree in Game Design, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• Strong programming skills in JavaScript, Python, Unity, or similar technologies
• Interest in or basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, co-design, and user experience testing
• Independent, structured, and cooperative work style with strong communication skills

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a Master's degree in Game Design, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or Movement Sciences with strong programming skills (JavaScript, Python, Unity) and an interest in digital health services, exergames, and dementia prevention.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Holidays
• Pension fund
• Social security
• Continuing education
• Family support
• Fitness & Sport
• Loyalty bonus

About the Employer

OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is an intercantonal university in Switzerland with campuses in Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona, and St. Gallen, specializing in application-oriented research, development, and teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 25, 2026.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Game Design, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Movement Sciences, or a related field.

How long is the employment duration?

The initial employment duration is 2 years, with an option to extend.

Who can I contact for subject-specific questions?

You can contact Prof. Dr. Eling Douwe de Bruin via email at [email protected].