SWPS University is a non-public academic institution conducting scientific research and educational activities in Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Katowice, and Kraków. We are among the most active research centers in Poland, and the results of our research are applied in various areas of the economy and social life. We translate high-quality research into modern teaching, offering study programs based on the latest knowledge that genuinely prepare students for the challenges of the contemporary world.
It is a community that brings together diverse experiences and beliefs. We create an open, multicultural environment that enables employees and students to pursue shared goals and fully develop their potential.
Our commitment to the development of science and our pursuit of the highest quality research are the foundation on which we build our success. This is reflected in the results of the evaluation of our research activities, in which three disciplines were awarded the highest A+ category and the remaining disciplines received an A category.
As a non-public university, SWPS University exists to serve individuals, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public engagement. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution built on a community of employees, students, and alumni.
Location: Warsaw
Ref. no.: 1185/IP/WWA/26
Research assistant
Institute of Psychology
Employment group: research
Research profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Duties:
- preparing scholarly articles, presentations, and reports based on research findings, under the supervision and in accordance with the guidance of the Project Principal Investigator
- analyzing and interpreting collected quantitative data
- participating in other activities aimed at disseminating research findings, as directed by the Project Principal Investigator
Requirements:
- current enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student, including in a long-cycle Master's degree program, at a higher education institution in Poland; or doctoral student status (as defined by the Act of July 27, 2005, Law on Higher Education) or enrollment in a doctoral school (as defined by the Act of July 20, 2018, Law on Higher Education and Science)
- preferred academic discipline: psychology (applicants from other disciplines must provide documented evidence of statistical proficiency)
- documented research experience
- demonstrated experience in conducting independent, advanced-level data analyses
- ability to search for, select, and critically evaluate scholarly literature
- ability and willingness to learn new data analysis methods
- excellent command of English (minimum CEFR level B2)
- working knowledge of Polish is an asset
- high standards of professionalism and excellent verbal and written communication skills
- excellent organizational skills, reliability in meeting deadlines, accuracy, and strong attention to detail
We offer:
- engagement under a civil-law contract (umowa zlecenie)
- remuneration of up to PLN 50 gross gross per hour, with a maximum of PLN 5,000 gross gross per month, in accordance with the regulations of the NCN
Required documents:
- CV with a list of academic, teaching, and administrative achievements (with reference to the criteria specified above), as well as a description of other professional experience and research interests
- a scanned copy of the document confirming the award of a higher education degree (for doctoral students)
- a scanned copy of a current document confirming student or doctoral student status
- a certificate confirming knowledge of a foreign language at the required proficiency level
Formal criteria:
- academic achievements, including publications in reputable journals/publishers and active participation in national and international conferences: 30% of the final grade
- competencies relevant to the tasks in the research project: 50% of the final grade
- distinctions resulting from scientific work (scholarships, awards), experience gained outside the home institution (domestically or abroad), workshops, training, and participation in research projects: 20% of the final grade
Important dates:
- the deadline for submission of documents is: 2026-12-09
- successful candidates will be announced on: 2027-01-08
- date of commencement of work: 2027-01-15
Competition Committee:
- Professor Ewa Gruszczyńska - Chair of the Committee
- Professor Paweł Ostaszewski - Member of the Committee
- Aleksandra Prusinowska - Member of the HR
- Zuzanna Świtalska - Committee Secretary
Additional information:
Employment will be governed by the provisions set forth in the Annex to Resolution No. 50/2023 of the National Science Centre (NCN) Council, dated May 11, 2023, amending the Regulations for Awarding Funding for Research Tasks Financed by the National Science Centre.
USWPS Regulations for the Recruitment of Research and Research-Technical Staff
The Competition Committee reserves the right to contact only selected candidates.
The candidates who receive the highest scores from the Committee will be invited for an interview.
For any additional information please contact zswitalska@swps.edu.pl referring to ref. no. 1185/IP/WWA/26.
Applications should be submitted electronically using the application form available by clicking on the APPLY button.
Research project description:
Dyadic support exchange, affective well-being and HIV/AIDS stigma: A daily diary study of intimate couples of people living with HIV
The project examines how the daily provision and receipt of support are associated with the affective well-being of people living with HIV and their romantic partners. Particular attention is paid to experiences of stigma, which may increase stress and impair functioning within intimate relationships.
The study involved romantic couples in which one or both partners had a medically confirmed HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Over three consecutive weeks, each participant independently completed a brief online questionnaire every evening, reporting on support, emotions, and experiences of stigma. The daily diary method allows researchers to observe day-to-day fluctuations and the interdependence of both partners' experiences.
A key aspect of the project is its focus not only on the role of receiving support but also on providing support, which may enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying affective well-being in couples affected by chronic physical illness and may also have practical implications for psychological counseling.
The project is conducted by a consortium of SWPS University and the University of Warsaw and funded by the National Science Centre, Poland. Data collection has been completed, and work is currently underway on scientific publications and other forms of disseminating the findings.
