Postdoctoral Researcher

McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to examine politically charged topics in medicine at the intersection of medicine, media, and politics. The role focuses on contestations, health knowledge production, and ethics in research involving patients and communities.

The incumbent will work within the Department of Social Studies of Medicine, engage with various stakeholders, and contribute to scholarly outputs and knowledge mobilization efforts.

Qualifications

• PhD completion before Jan 1, 2027.
• Strong research background in health, medicine, science, or technology.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for academic and non-academic audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research program on politically contested issues in medicine, health care, and knowledge production.
• Design and conduct qualitative, ethnographic, historical, or interdisciplinary studies interlinking medicine, media, politics, and society.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to books, reports, and policy pieces.

Skills

Scholarly excellence

Independent researcher

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy, STS, Health Humanities, Social Studies of Medicine, Public Health or related

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Social Studies of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position examining politically charged topics in medicine. This research opportunity explores how contestations emerge and unfold at the intersections of medicine, media, and politics, contributing to theoretical discussions related to expertise, the production of health knowledge, cultural conceptions of the body, and the moral responsibilities of researchers. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work engages with the perspectives and experiences of patients and communities navigating politically contested areas of healthcare and shifting institutional landscapes. Applicants may also explore questions related to epistemic injustice, knowledge production, and the role of values in medical research and practice. Research topics may include, but are not limited to: Trans health care Psychedelic-assisted therapy Race and medicine Reproductive care Alternative medicines Other politically contested areas of health and medicine. This position is unionized, and the incumbent will hold dual status as both a student and a McGill employee, and as a member of the AMURE (Postdocs) bargaining unit.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

For interested applicants, you must include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of current research, future plans for research, and interest in the position; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) one sample of scholarly writing (a published article, unpublished paper or chapter); and 4) the names of three referees to provide letters upon request.

Applicants who do not have a completed PhD at the time of application must include a letter from the Department Chair specifying the date of the dissertation defence.

Please note: Candidate eligibility to hold a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship expires 5 years after the date on which their PhD was awarded, regardless of when they are hired. Refer to the following link for further information on eligibility criteria: Eligibility | Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - McGill University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead an innovative, independent research program focused on politically contested issues in medicine, health care, and health knowledge production.
• Design and conduct qualitative, ethnographic, historical, philosophical, sociological, or interdisciplinary research projects examining the intersections of medicine, media, politics, and society.
• Collaborate with faculty supervisors and other researchers within the Department of Social Studies of Medicine on ongoing research initiatives and grant-funded projects.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate methodological and theoretical approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to other scholarly outputs, including book chapters, reports, and policy‑oriented publications.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and public-facing events.
• Contribute to the intellectual and research environment of the Department through active participation in seminars, reading groups, workshops, and collaborative activities.
• Engage with relevant patient communities, advocacy groups, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders, where appropriate to the research program.
• Support knowledge mobilization activities and contribute to the dissemination of research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences.
• Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects, as opportunities arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy, Science and Technology Studies (STS), Health Humanities, Social Studies of Medicine, Public Health, or a closely related discipline.
• The PhD must be completed prior to the appointment start date of January 1, 2027.
• Demonstrated research expertise in the social, ethical, cultural, political, or historical dimensions of health, medicine, science, or technology.
• Strong record of scholarly achievement relative to career stage, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other research outputs.
• Experience conducting independent research using qualitative, ethnographic, interpretive, historical, philosophical, or mixed‑methods approaches.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to academic and non‑academic audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.

JOB DETAILS

Hiring Unit: Department of Social Studies of Medicine

Number of Positions: 1

Supervisor: Professor Sahar Sadjadi & Professor Phoebe Friesen

Total Hours Per Week: 35

Salary: $55,000/year

Planned Start and End Date: January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2028

Location: 3647 Peel

Connaissance du français et de l'anglais: L'Université McGill est une université de langue anglaise où les tâches quotidiennes peuvent nécessiter une communication verbale et écrite en anglais. Le niveau d’anglais requis pour ce poste a été déterminé comme étant de niveau #4 (qualificatif) sur une échelle de 0-4.

In accordancewith Canadian and Quebec law, the present offer is conditional upon your obtaining the appropriate work authorization from any or all of the following as applicable: Citizenship & Immigration Canada, Immigration Quebec and Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

Annual Salary: $55,000.00

Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)

Location: Peel 3647

Supervisor: Assistant Professor

Position Start Date: 2026-08-20

Position End Date: 2027-12-31

Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-15

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.

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