Postdoctoral Scholar – Ethical and Social Aspects of Emerging Biomedical Technologies

Position Overview

School / Campus / College: School of Medicine

Organization: Bioethics & Humanities

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar – Ethical and Social Aspects of Emerging Biomedical Technologies

Position Details

Position Description

The Department of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington School of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar with an anticipated start date of January 2027. The successful candidate will be appointed full-time (100% FTE) for an initial 12-month appointment. Reappointment for a second year may be considered based on performance and the availability of funding.

This position is being offered at a salary range of $5,705 to $6,000 per month ($68,460 - $72,000 per year), commensurate with experience.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Amy Hinterberger, the position’s Principal Investigator, primarily on her Welcome Trust–funded project, Biomedical Research and the Politics of the Human. The project is situated within the newly established Science, Medicine, and Society Lab, which examines the social, ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of emerging developments in science and medicine, including artificial intelligence, genomics, stem cell science, and related areas of biomedical research.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Scholarly Contributions — 80%

The Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to the research and publication activities of the Wellcome Trust project and related work led by Professor Hinterberger. Responsibilities will include:

  • Analyzing qualitative research data, including interview and documentary materials; 
  • Reviewing and synthesizing relevant scholarly literature; 
  • Collaborating with Professor Hinterberger on the preparation of scholarly articles and other research outputs; 
  • Contributing to reports, conference papers, presentations, and public-facing research materials; 
  • Assisting with the development of grant and fellowship applications;  
  • Participating in the intellectual activities of the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab and the Department of Bioethics and Humanities; and
  • Undertaking research-related travel as appropriate. 

Professional Development and Independent Research — 20%

The position will provide protected time for the Postdoctoral Scholar to advance their own research and professional development. Activities may include:

  • Developing independent or collaborative scholarship aligned with the broad mission of the Science, Medicine, and Society Lab; 
  • Preparing manuscripts, conference papers, and grant or fellowship applications; 
  • Building scholarly collaborations and networks at the University of Washington and beyond; and 
  • Participating in relevant seminars, workshops, and professional-development activities.

 

About the Department of Bioethics and Humanities: The Department of Bioethics and Humanities is an interdisciplinary department in the University of Washington School of Medicine, with a mission to advance rigorous scholarship, teaching, and public engagement on the ethical, social, historical, and humanistic dimensions of medicine, biomedical research, public health, and health care. Department faculty work across fields including medicine, genetics, philosophy, public health, health services, medical sociology, religious studies, education, and related areas. Our research and teaching address topics such as genomic research, emerging biotechnologies, community-based participatory research, clinical ethics, social justice and access to health care, global bioethics, health disparities, medical error, and palliative and end-of-life care. The Department is deeply connected to the wider UW ecosystem, with collaborative relationships across UW Medicine and the Schools of Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Social Work, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences and Seattle Children’s. The successful candidate will join a department committed to interdisciplinary scholarship and to building new areas of strength at the intersection of science, medicine, technology, ethics, and society. The Department offers a master’s degree in bioethics, an undergraduate minor, professional training programs, and ethics education in the UW School of Medicine

Qualifications

Applicants for this Postdoctoral Scholar position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Applicants must have:

  • Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in the social sciences, humanities, sciences, public health, bioethics, science and technology studies, or a related field by the start date of the position;
  • Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills;
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
  • Ability to synthesize academic literature, policy documents, reports, and other complex materials clearly and concisely;
  • Strong and demonstrated interest in the social, cultural, ethical, or political implications of science, medicine, and technology;
  • Capacity to work independently on multiple projects by prioritizing, multitasking, and being flexible 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators;
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team managing multiple deadlines and a high volume of activity.

Instructions

To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit all materials no later than October 15, 2026. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/190818

Applications should include the following materials: 

  • Cover letter of no more than 3 pages detailing your interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and experiences
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • 1 scholarly piece of writing 
  • Contact information for at least 3 referees who are prepared to provide letters of recommendation upon request.

 

Applicants should articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in research, teaching, mentoring, patient care, and/or service promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Hinterberger, Professor and Chair @ amyhint@uw.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.

Privacy Notice

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Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.