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- Tasks: Lead a 5-year research project on AI and Physician Associates in healthcare.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-leading research institution in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative project that explores the future of medicine and societal impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in qualitative research required.
- Other info: Applications close on 2 October 2025; international sponsorship may be available.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA role at The University of Edinburgh
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Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA role at The University of Edinburgh
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term contact: available from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031
Location: Usher Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter
Job Description
Grade UE07 £41,064 – £48,822 per annum
CMVM / MGPHS / USHER Institute
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term contact: available from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031
Location: Usher Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter
We will also consider requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular (weekly) on-campus working. The Usher Institute expects a minimum of 40%* on campus working.
The Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at the Usher Institute within The University of Edinburgh is looking for a 5-year postdoctoral Fellow to work on the Wellcome-funded Discovery Award Medicine without Doctors.
Please note this role can be appointed at Grade UE07, step 3 – £43,482 per annum at a maximum.
The Opportunity
Medicine without Doctors is a six-year Wellcome-funded project exploring the changing authority of medical practices through four case studies: LGBTQ+ health, artificial intelligence, abortion care and the physician associate. The project is underpinned by two theoretical pillars: the sociology of care and the philosophy of voice. To do this work, the project brings together a multidisciplinary and sector-spanning team of investigators, from philosophy, socio-legal studies, STS, history, sociology and design, with the aim of creating new, interdisciplinary knowledge. In this project, we are also excited to develop and draw on play methodologies collaboratively.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to undertake work in relation to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Physician Associate (PA) components of the project. In collaboration with Dr Nayha Sethi (line manager) and Dr Lukas Engelmann (co-I), the postholder will be responsible for developing their own 5-year research project which compliments and combines two of the project’s case studies: Artificial Intelligence and Physician Associates. The postholder is asked to develop a research project that creatively cuts across these unfolding challenges to medical authority and which should align with the Medicine without Doctors wider aims and methodologies, including a focus on project themes care and voice, and creative methodologies.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Nayha Sethi, Senior Lecturer, Nayha.Sethi@ed.ac.uk.
More information about Medicine without Doctors can be found here .
This post might require Level 2 Disclosure as the project progresses but the candidate will receive support processing it if required.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- A PhD awarded in a relevant discipline (e.g. law, social sciences, history, science and technology studies, empirical bioethics or other relevant fields engaging with qualitative research and law and/policy)
- Knowledge and understanding of current issues in medicine and health systems
- Experience of designing and undertaking qualitative research including organising, conducting, collecting, managing and analysing data from interviews, focus groups, surveys, or other forms of data collection)
- Experience of working independently and collaboratively to deliver projects
- Experience of or willingness to engage with community stakeholders as part of the research process
Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab) .
Please include your CV, a covering letter with a supporting statement with details of how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience required for this post, and a brief, one-page research proposal.
Non-University of Edinburgh employees (i.e. external applicants) – please refer to the How to Apply – External Candidate system user guide
Current University of Edinburgh employees (i.e. internal applicants) interested in applying for this role – you must apply as an internal applicant through the People and Money Current Jobs tile. Please refer to the How to Apply – UoE Employee system user guide
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 2 October 2025.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Work with us | Usher Institute – where inquiring minds work together to improve lives across the world.
Join our growing team of academics and professional services staff and work in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment. Our vision is to catalyse the transformation of health in society by working with people, populations and their data.
Our greatest asset is our people, working together to improve public health using evidence-based research.
We are a key applied and translational arm of the Edinburgh Medical School, within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at The University of Edinburgh. Working with partners across UK and international universities, health and care providers, policymakers, industry and the public is central to our highly collaborative ethos.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
The Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society (CBSS) is a multidisciplinary research centre that builds on the University of Edinburgh’s unique history of leadership in social studies of science and medicine to scrutinise the complex social, cultural and technological landscape that characterises contemporary biomedicine and health care.
Bringing together established and emerging research leaders from across the University, the Centre aims to address the pressing problems currently facing biomedicine and society, and to effect lasting change in approaches to, developments from, and perspectives on global biomedical research. To that end, our work combines novel, integrative social science and humanities research with innovative approaches to collaboration, stakeholder and public engagement.
Find out more at https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/biomedicine-self-society
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Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the 'Medicine without Doctors' project. Understanding the intersection of AI and Physician Associates will help you articulate how your research aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the Usher Institute or similar multidisciplinary teams. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially useful connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous qualitative research experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with community stakeholders, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider developing a brief outline of your proposed research project before applying. This will not only demonstrate your initiative but also give you a clear framework to discuss your ideas during any interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the project's focus areas, such as AI and Physician Associates.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your PhD, qualitative research experience, and any work related to AI or healthcare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains how your background and research interests align with the Medicine without Doctors project. Be specific about your proposed research ideas and methodologies.
Prepare a Research Proposal: Include a concise one-page research proposal that outlines your intended project. Make sure it creatively intersects with the themes of AI and Physician Associates, demonstrating your understanding of the project's aims.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Understand the Project's Themes
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the 'Medicine without Doctors' project, particularly around AI and Physician Associates. Be prepared to discuss how your research interests align with these themes and how you can contribute to the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Highlight your experience in qualitative research, especially in designing and conducting interviews or focus groups. Be ready to provide specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
✨Engage with Multidisciplinary Approaches
Since the role involves collaboration across various disciplines, demonstrate your ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with professionals from different fields and how that enriched your research.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics at the Usher Institute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you.
