At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a 5-year research project on the Physician Associate role in UK healthcare.
- Company: Join a multidisciplinary team funded by Wellcome, focused on innovative medical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term position based on campus from January 2026.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking study that reimagines care and voice through play methodologies.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences or related field with qualitative research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 58000 £ per year.
Overview
Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum
School of Social and Political Science
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-term: 60 months (1st April 2026 - 31st March 2031)
The Opportunity
You will join the Wellcome-funded research project, ‘Medicine without Doctors: Reimagining Care and Voice through Play’, which examines the changing landscape of medical authority, voice and care. You will be responsible for developing your own 5-year project on the Physician Associate case study, aligning with the Medicine without Doctors wider vision and combining methodological approaches from medical sociology, medical anthropology, STS, and history, to study the emergence and standardisation of the role of the Physician Associate in the UK national health service.
Medicine without Doctors is a six-year Wellcome-funded project exploring the changing authority of medical practices in the UK through four case studies: LGBTQ+ health, Autonomous Systems, abortion care, and the physician associate. The project is underpinned by two theoretical pillars: the sociology of care and the philosophy of voice. It 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 excited to develop and draw on play methodologies collaboratively. Through play we seek to advance all aspects of the project creatively and will engage entrenched issues with new perspectives and approaches.
This full time (35 hours per week) post is fixed term for 60 months from 1st April 2026 - 31st March 2031, and is based on-campus.
Your skills and attributes for success
- A PhD awarded in a relevant discipline e.g. social sciences, history, science and technology studies, anthropology, or other discipline with a strong background in conducting qualitative research and engaging with law and policy
- Knowledge and understanding of current issues in medicine and health systems
- Experience of designing and conducting empirical 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 with others to deliver projects
- Ability to work in a compassionate and socially responsible manner
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Application information
As part of your application, please submit a CV and covering letter that addresses your suitability for the role, as well as a one-page description of a research project you would like to pursue in this role.
Informal questions about this post can be directed to the Hiring Manager, Dr Lukas Engelmann, Co-Investigator, via email at Lukas.Engelmann@ed.ac.uk.
External applicants, please refer to the guidance in ‘How to Join Us’ to support your application process.
For current employees interested in applying for this role, please apply as an internal applicant through the People & Money Current Jobs app.
What you can expect
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 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.
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
The closing date for application is 2nd 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 browser’s local time zone.
Interviews will typically be held 2-3 weeks after the closing date.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Medicine without Doctors) employer: The University of Edinburgh
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the innovative 'Medicine without Doctors' project, you will be part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary team dedicated to reimagining healthcare through play methodologies. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a well-respected academic environment. Located on campus, you will benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and a vibrant community committed to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of medical sociology and beyond.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Medicine without Doctors)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the 'Medicine without Doctors' project. Understanding the intersection of medical sociology, anthropology, and the philosophy of voice will help you articulate how your research aligns with the project's goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fields of social sciences and health systems. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential collaborators and gain insights into current issues in medicine that could inform your research proposal.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research methodologies in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've designed and conducted empirical research, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Think of instances where you've successfully led a project or worked within a team, as this will highlight your versatility and commitment to delivering impactful research.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Medicine without Doctors)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in qualitative research, particularly in social sciences, history, or anthropology. Emphasise any previous work related to medical sociology or health systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the project 'Medicine without Doctors' and how your background aligns with its goals. Discuss your proposed 5-year project on the Physician Associate case study and how it fits within the broader vision.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Detail your experience in designing and conducting empirical research. Provide examples of how you've organised, collected, and analysed data from various methods such as interviews or focus groups, which are crucial for this role.
Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Collaboration:Highlight any past experiences where you worked collaboratively across disciplines. This role requires engaging with a multidisciplinary team, so showcasing your ability to work with diverse perspectives will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to qualitative methods. Highlight how your experience aligns with the goals of the 'Medicine without Doctors' project and demonstrate your understanding of the Physician Associate role.
✨Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Since the project involves various disciplines, be ready to explain how your background in social sciences, history, or anthropology can contribute to the team's multidisciplinary approach. Mention any relevant collaborations or projects that showcase your ability to work across fields.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current issues in medicine and health systems, particularly those affecting the UK NHS. Be prepared to discuss these topics during the interview and express your thoughts on how they relate to the project's objectives.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Skills
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve project goals, especially in a research context.
