Postdoctoral Researcher – Politically Contested Health Topics

About the role

The Department of Social Studies of Medicine at McGill University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead an independent research program on politically contested issues in medicine, health care, and health knowledge production. The role combines scholarly inquiry with community engagement to advance theoretical discussions on expertise, epistemic injustice, and the moral responsibilities of researchers.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute qualitative, ethnographic, historical, philosophical, sociological, or interdisciplinary research projects.
• Collaborate with faculty supervisors and research teams on grant‑funded initiatives.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data using appropriate methodological frameworks.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, book chapters, reports, and policy‑oriented publications.
• Present findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and public events.
• Participate actively in departmental seminars, reading groups, and workshops.
• Engage with patient communities, advocacy groups, and healthcare practitioners where relevant.

Required profile

• Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy of medicine, health studies).
• Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative or interdisciplinary research on health‑related topics.
• Strong interest in politically contested areas such as trans health care, psychedelic‑assisted therapy, race and medicine, reproductive care, or alternative medicines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative research environments.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and community‑focused knowledge mobilisation.

Required skills

What we offer

• Unionized position with dual status as a student and McGill employee (AMURE Postdocs bargaining unit).
• Opportunities for high‑impact publications and conference presentations.
• Access to interdisciplinary research networks within the Department of Social Studies of Medicine.
• Support for knowledge mobilisation and community engagement activities.