At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Applications close on 2 October 2025; international sponsorship may be available.
- 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.
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
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
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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#J-18808-LjbffrPostdoctoral Fellow AI and PA employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers an exceptional work environment for the Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA role, situated in the vibrant Usher Institute at the Edinburgh Bioquarter. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional growth within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to impactful research. The collaborative culture fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare and society.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at The University of Edinburgh, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like The University of Edinburgh. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow AI and PA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The University of Edinburgh. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The University of Edinburgh. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The University of Edinburgh. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The University of Edinburgh to drive research projects forward.
