Postdoctoral Researcher
SSoM is hiring a new postdoctoral scholar. Please see the attached call as well as the complete job posting
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:
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Trans health care
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Psychedelic-assisted therapy
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Race and medicine
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Reproductive care
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Alternative medicines
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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.
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research, and interest in the position; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) one sample of scholarly writing (a published article, unpublished paper or chapter); and 4) the names of three referees to provide letters upon request.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 upload them all to Workday when you apply.
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
The successful candidate will:
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Develop and lead an innovative, independent research program focused on politically contested issues in medicine, health care, and health knowledge production.
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Design and conduct qualitative, ethnographic, historical, philosophical, sociological, or interdisciplinary research projects examining the intersections of medicine, media, politics, and society.
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Collaborate with faculty supervisors and other researchers within the Department of Social Studies of Medicine on ongoing research initiatives and grant-funded projects.
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Collect, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate methodological and theoretical approaches.
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Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to other scholarly outputs, including book chapters, reports, and policy-oriented publications.
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Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and public-facing events.
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Contribute to the intellectual and research environment of the Department through active participation in seminars, reading groups, workshops, and collaborative activities.
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Engage with relevant patient communities, advocacy groups, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders, where appropriate to the research program.
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Support knowledge mobilization activities and contribute to the dissemination of research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences.
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Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects, as opportunities arise.
QUALIFICATIONS
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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.
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Demonstrated research expertise in the social, ethical, cultural, political, or historical dimensions of health, medicine, science, or technology.
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Strong record of scholarly achievement relative to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other research outputs.
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Experience conducting independent research using qualitative, ethnographic, interpretive, historical, philosophical, or mixed-methods approaches.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to academic and non-academic audiences.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
Department Chair
INTERNAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
CHAIR OF THE MCGILL UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES OF MEDICINE
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University invites internal applications from ranked academic staff with current appointments at McGill University for the position of Chair, Department of Social Studies of Medicine.
Established in 1966, the Department of Social Studies of Medicine is a multidisciplinary department with faculty members specializing in anthropology, architecture, art history, history, and philosophy, who investigate topics in medicine, biomedical research, public health, and health policy. It has a strong tradition of excellence in research and teaching and maintains significant links with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Engineering.
Department members contribute to teaching in multiple graduate programs as well as in undergraduate medicine. The Department is currently comprised of seven full-time members, five emeritus professors, and 15 associate members. The Department and its members are supported by four endowed chairs.
The successful candidate is expected to:
Have a ranked academic position at McGill University;
Have an internationally recognized research program;
Have an engaging vision for the Department that builds upon existing areas of strength and collaboration and expands to connect with new academic programs, research domains and strategic initiatives within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and across the University;
Have the drive and leadership skills to realize that vision;
Provide strategic guidance and support to the Osler Library and the Maude Abbott Medical Museum;
Promote a collaborative and inclusive environment conducive to research and teaching excellence;
Provide leadership in the recruitment, development, and mentoring of diverse faculty to achieve their full potential;
Fluency in English is essential; a proficiency in French, or a commitment to acquiring it within a few years of appointment is preferred.
The Department is proud to host a respectful, multi-disciplinary and inclusive work setting in its multiple areas of activity, which includes the training of a diverse group of students. A record of experience applying equity, diversity and inclusion competencies will be considered an asset.
Term
The chair position is for a five-year term, starting September 1, 2026, which can be renewed once following a successful review.
Application Process
Please submit the required documentation by email to acadsec.med [at] mcgill.ca no later than June 20, 2026.
Required Documentation
A cover letter and curriculum vitae;
Statement of leadership, research, and educational contributions (combine all documents in a single pdf);
The names and contact information of three referees.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing. L’Université McGill est une institution de langue anglaise dans laquelle la majorité des activités d’enseignement et de recherche s’effectuent en langue anglaise, rendant essentielle l’utilisation de l’anglais pour la communication orale et écrite.
McGill University was founded in 1821 and is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and among the top three in Canada. McGill is located in Montreal, Quebec
(http://www.montrealinternational.com/en/), a multiethnic city with a sparkling cultural life. Montreal has been selected numerous times as the best city for students in North America. Montreal is safe, housing costs are among the lowest for cities of comparable size, and overall quality of life is outstanding.
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome and encourage 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.
At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sections, such as government, communities, or industry. McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, and that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.
McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr [at] mcgill.ca via email.