adminThe University of Edinburgh, established in 1583, is one of Scotland’s four ancient universities and the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its founding was initiated by the Edinburgh Town Council under a royal charter granted by King James VI in 1582. This initiative was notable as it marked a departure from the traditional method of university establishment through papal bulls, reflecting the shifting religious and political landscape of the time.
The university’s early development was significantly influenced by the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century, a period when Edinburgh emerged as a leading intellectual center. This era, often referred to as the “Athens of the North,” saw the university contribute extensively to advancements in various fields including science, medicine and philosophy.
Notable figures associated with the university during this period include philosopher David Hume and economist Adam Smith.
Architecturally, the university’s Old College is a landmark of neoclassical design. The initial plans were drafted by renowned architect Robert Adam in the late 18th century, with construction commencing in 1789. However, due to financial constraints and the Napoleonic Wars, the project experienced delays. It was later completed under the supervision of architect William Henry Playfair in the early 19th century, with the iconic dome added in 1887, designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.
In terms of governance, the University of Edinburgh operates as a charitable body registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. It functions under a framework that includes the University Court, which serves as the governing body responsible for the institution’s strategic decisions.
This structure ensures that the university maintains a degree of autonomy while adhering to regulatory standards set by educational authorities.
Today, the University of Edinburgh is recognized globally for its research and teaching excellence. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university continues to build upon its rich history, adapting to contemporary educational needs while preserving its legacy as a center of knowledge and innovation.
Job Type:
- Full-Time
Location:
- Old College South Bridge, Edinburgh
Benefits:
The role comes with several benefits including:
- Company pension scheme
- Employee discounts on various services and products
Job Overview
Salary Grade and Pay Scale
- Grade UE07: The annual salary ranges between £40,497 and £48,149.
Department & Faculty
- This position is based in the School of Social and Political Science, which operates under the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS).
Working Hours & Duration
- This is a full-time position, requiring 35 hours per week.
- The contract is fixed-term, lasting until 31st December 2030.
The successful candidate will be part of an innovative research project titled ‘Medicine without Doctors: Re-imagining Care and Voice through Play’, funded by Wellcome.
This research initiative aims to explore the evolving nature of medical authority and patient care, with a particular focus on how play-based and design-led methods can create a collaborative intellectual space across various disciplines and practice-based communities.
The appointed researcher will primarily lead the ‘Play’ methodological work package, utilizing interactive and creative engagement strategies to investigate and redefine medical practices and authority structures.
This fixed-term appointment will commence in July 2025 and run for 66 months, concluding in December 2030.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experiences:
Educational Background
- A PhD (or equivalent professional expertise) in a relevant social science discipline, such as:
- Science and Technology Studies (STS)
- Anthropology
- Design Studies
- Or other practice-based fields related to the project
Research Experience
- Proven expertise in conducting ethnographic research
- Demonstrated ability to work with design-led methodologies and creative approaches within social research settings
Practical & Methodological Expertise
- Hands-on experience in design-thinking, creative research methods and participatory methodologies
- Familiarity with collaborative and interdisciplinary research approaches
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Capability to work both independently and as part of a research team
- Prior experience in leading research projects and working with multidisciplinary teams
Communication Skills
- Ability to present complex ideas effectively in both spoken and written formats
- Skilled in engaging with diverse academic, professional and community audiences
Social Responsibility & Ethical Approach
- A strong commitment to ethical research practices and socially responsible engagement
Application Process
To apply for this role, candidates must submit the following:
- A detailed CV (Curriculum Vitae) outlining relevant academic and professional experiences
- A covering letter explaining their suitability for the role, emphasizing relevant skills, research experience and contributions to interdisciplinary projects
Contact for Informal Queries
Applicants with specific questions regarding the role can contact:
- Dr. Catherine Montgomery (Senior Lecturer & Co-Investigator)
- Email: catherine.montgomery@ed.ac.uk
Application Submission
- External applicants should follow the standard recruitment guidelines outlined in the ‘How to Join Us’ section.
- Current employees should apply as internal applicants via the People & Money Current Jobs app.
Why Join Us?
As a member of the University of Edinburgh, you will:
-
Receive a Competitive Salary
- A structured pay scale ensures fair and transparent compensation.
-
Work in a Stimulating Environment
- The university fosters a creative, challenging and rewarding workspace.
- You’ll collaborate with global thought leaders and industry pioneers.
-
Be Part of an Inclusive and Diverse Community
- The university is home to a vibrant international academic network.
- Engage in interdisciplinary work that has a real-world impact.
-
Access Comprehensive Staff Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement
- Pension schemes tailored to different employee needs
- Exclusive staff discounts across multiple services
- Family-friendly policies to support work-life balance
For a full list of benefits, visit the University’s Staff Benefits Page and use the Reward Calculator to assess the total value of your salary package.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh actively promotes diversity and inclusion through multiple initiatives:
- Athena SWAN Silver Award: Recognizing institutional efforts to promote gender equality in higher education.
- Race Equality Charter Member: Committed to advancing racial diversity and equal opportunities.
- Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion: Advocating for LGBT+ inclusion across academic and professional spaces.
The university is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment where all staff members feel valued and supported.
Visa Sponsorship & Employment Compliance
Right to Work in the UK
- Prior to employment, applicants must provide proof of their legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Additional details can be found on the University’s Right to Work web pages.
Sponsorship for International Candidates
- The university can sponsor international candidates for this role.
- If selected, non-UK applicants requiring sponsorship must meet the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and successfully obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key Dates to Remember
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 31st March 2025
- Unless specified otherwise, the deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM GMT.
- For applicants outside the UK, the deadline automatically adjusts to match the local time zone of the browser.
Interview Process
- Interviews are typically conducted 2-3 weeks following the application deadline.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the University of Edinburgh along with their answers:
1. When was the University of Edinburgh founded?
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583, making it one of the oldest universities in Scotland and the sixth-oldest in the English-speaking world.
2. Who owns the University of Edinburgh?
The university is a public research institution and operates as an autonomous charitable body under the University Court, which is its governing authority.
3. Where is the University of Edinburgh located?
The university is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, with multiple campuses spread across the city including the Central Area, King’s Buildings, Easter Bush, BioQuarter and Western General Hospital.
4. What is the University of Edinburgh known for?
It is globally recognized for research excellence, particularly in medicine, science, engineering, law, business, humanities and social sciences. It played a key role in the Scottish Enlightenment and has produced many influential figures.
5. What are some famous alumni from the University of Edinburgh?
The university has educated several notable figures including Charles Darwin (evolutionary biologist), Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of Sherlock Holmes) and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
6. Does the University of Edinburgh offer scholarships?
Yes, the university provides a variety of scholarships for both domestic and international students including merit-based, need-based and research-specific scholarships.
7. What is the ranking of the University of Edinburgh globally?
The university is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide in major rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings.
8. Does the University of Edinburgh offer visa sponsorship for international staff?
Yes, the university is a UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsor, meaning it can offer visa sponsorship for eligible international employees.
9. What facilities does the university provide?
The university has state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, sports complexes, student accommodations and career services to support students and staff.
10. How can I apply for a job at the University of Edinburgh?
Interested candidates can apply via the official university website under the “Jobs” section or through job portals where vacancies are listed.
