Overview
Postdoctoral Fellow AI at The University of Edinburgh. This is a fixed-term, full-time role working with the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society (CBSS) within the Usher Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter. Hybrid working options may be considered on a non-contractual basis, with a minimum on-campus presence expected.
Grade UE07: £41,064 – £48,822 per annum
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term available from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031 – Location: Usher Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter
The Opportunity
The Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at the Usher Institute is seeking a 5-year postdoctoral Fellow to work on the Wellcome-funded Medicine without Doctors project. This role will focus on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) component of the project and involve developing and undertaking a 5-year empirical socio-legal project on the AI Case Study, aligned with the project themes of care and voice and using creative methodologies.
Medicine without Doctors is a six-year Wellcome-funded project exploring the changing authority of medical practices across four case studies: LGBTQ+ health, artificial intelligence, abortion care and the physician associate. The project is grounded in sociology of care and philosophy of voice, and involves a multidisciplinary team from philosophy, socio-legal studies, STS, history, sociology and design.
The post holder will undertake work related to the AI case study in collaboration with Dr Nayha Sethi (line manager). The role will require designing and leading a 5-year empirical socio-legal study, with responsibilities aligned to the wider project vision including care, 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 may require Level 2 Disclosure as the project progresses, with support provided if required.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
* A PhD awarded in a relevant discipline (e.g., law, social sciences, STS, or other relevant field engaging with qualitative research and law and policy)
* Knowledge of regulatory, ethical and societal issues arising from AI in health
* Experience designing and undertaking qualitative research, including organising, conducting, collecting, managing and analysing data from interviews, focus groups, surveys, or other data collection methods
* Experience of working independently and collaboratively to deliver projects
* Experience of or willingness to engage with community stakeholders as part of the research process
Application Process
Please include your CV, a covering letter with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience required, and a brief one-page research proposal. External and internal candidate instructions are provided in the job posting; follow the appropriate process.
As a valued member of our team you can expect
* A competitive salary
* A positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
* To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
* Comprehensive staff benefits, including generous holiday entitlement, pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
The University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, is a member of the Race Equality Charter and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, and is committed to equality and inclusion. Right to work in the UK will be evidenced before employment. Sponsorship for international workers may be possible, depending on circumstances.
Key Dates
The closing date for applications is 2 October 2025, 11:59pm GMT (local time may vary for applicants outside the UK). This posting is subject to change at any time.
About Us
Usher Institute, the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, and The University of Edinburgh are committed to applying evidence-based research to improve health and society. We collaborate across disciplines and with partners worldwide to drive impact in health, policy, and public understanding of science.
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