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
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We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Medicine without Doctors)
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✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Medicine without Doctors)
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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.
