Chancellor's Fellow (History/Sociology of Biomedicine)


School of Social & Political Science
Chancellor's Fellow (History/Sociology of Biomedicine)
£39,324- £46,924

The University of Edinburgh has an outstanding tradition of ground-breaking research in science and technology studies, including the history and sociology of biomedicine.
We now seek to make a strategic appointment of a scholar who will pursue historical research to interrogate the compelling questions generated by the increasing complexity of biomedicine and its interface with individuals and society.

You will be based in the world-leading Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) subject group, located within the School of Social and Political Science. STIS is already home to a growing cluster of historians and sociologists of biomedicine and the life sciences. Other research within STIS ranges widely across the history and sociology of science, technology and medicine including studies of and with information and communication technology, and the sociology of environment, energy and sustainability.

You will be expected to contribute to developing an interdisciplinary research programme in Biomedicine, Self and Society, which brings together researchers from STIS, the Social Studies of Health and Medicine group in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and a growing group of medical lawyers and bioethicists in the School of Law. You must be committed to working in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment and supporting the development of interdisciplinary research across science and technology studies, medical sociology, bioethics, law and health policy.

In the longer term, you will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies. In particular, you will take responsibility for delivering the popular level 1 survey course in History of Medicine.
Informal inquiries can be made to Professor Professor Steve Sturdy, S.Sturdy@ed.ac.uk
The Chancellor’s Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh are prestigious 5-year awards to support highly talented early career researchers from across the world to develop their careers.
You will already have begun to establish a reputation for the high quality of your research and will have a commitment to develop your skills in teaching and student development at a University level. Colleagues with a commitment to developing impact beyond the academy, international academics and those interested in interdisciplinary collaboration are particularly welcomed.

You will initially concentrate on research and innovation, with a start-up package in support, but will be trained in teaching and student development skills and be expected progressively to take up this core academic activity. It is anticipated that following a successful end of year 3 review the majority of Chancellors Fellows will transition to an open-ended lectureship.

Appointments will normally be made on the Grade 8 Academic scale (£39,324- £46,924), dependent on experience, but in exceptional circumstances a more senior appointment may be made at Grade 9 (£49,772- £55,998). Relocation support is available for colleagues who need to move to take up the Fellowship. This includes practical support for a spouse or partner.


The culture of the University is open and diverse and we strive to replicate that in our appointments.

We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender or ethnic group. As women and members of ethnic minorities are currently under-represented in posts at this level we particularly encourage applications from members of these groups. As a global University, we are interested in attracting candidates working in all parts of the world and can offer relocation support. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from applicants with disabilities.

We are the proud holder of a prestigious Athena SWAN Silver Institution Award recognising our work in supporting the advancement of gender equality in academia. We are committed to include opportunities for individuals looking to return to research after a career break for family, caring or health reasons.


Closing Date: 2nd May 2017. Vacancy Ref: 039427