Research Careers and Development Framework

22nd August 2012

Background

• Key points from last meeting.• How we are addressing these.• Summary of other current initiatives.• Update on Research Careers & Development

Framework.

What you Said

• There is no opportunity for progression, with the exception of recruitment.

• There is no mechanism for bridging funding.• Need clarity on supervision. • Need clarity on teaching. • Issues regarding recognition of researchers were also

raised.

What you Said

• All research grades should be eligible to vote in Governing Authority elections.

• The contract management policy should be explained to each new entrant.

• Training and development is important for research.• Researchers should be able to submit funding

proposals.

What You Said:Mechanism for Progression

What you Said: There is no mechanism for progression, with the

exception of recruitment.

Response:A job evaluation mechanism has been agreed by

Executive Committee for progression to senior research positions.

What You Said:Mechanism for Progression

• This will normally apply to anyone with more than three years service.

• Certain standards of research output will be expected.

• Hay will issue a recommendation.• Subject to funding in place for a further minimum

period of 12 months.

What You Said:Clarity on Teaching

What you said: • Clarity is needed around researchers’ role in teaching.

Response:• The research staff role profiles were circulated following the

last meeting and are posted on the HR website:– “May participate in limited teaching hours for own

development. The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.”

What You Said:Bridging Funding

What you Said:• Bridging funding should be made available.

Response:• It is not possible to put in place a general facility for

the provision of bridging funding– the provision of bridging funding was evaluated,

but was not deemed feasible within current financial constraints

What You Said:Submission of Funding Proposals

What you Said:• Researchers should be able to submit funding

proposals.

Response:• All researchers can submit proposals in line with

funding body policies and procedures.

What You Said:Voting Rights

What you Said:• Research Officers should be able to vote in Governing

Authority elections.

Response:• The Corporate Secretary’s Office has informed HR that

Governing Authority has approved a revised electorate for voting in the forthcoming Governing Authority elections, that includes Research Officers.

What You Said:Supervision of PhD students

What you Said:• Researchers should be able to act as sole supervisors.

Response:• Co-supervision is preferable, not just for research staff.• The role profiles state that researchers:

“May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.”

What You Said:Contract Management Policy

What you Said:• The contract management policy should be explained to each

new entrant.Response:• The contract management policy will be explained at the

induction programme to all new members of staff• All new research staff are required to attend induction• The next Induction training programme is scheduled for

Thursday, 6th September 2012 in the Board Room, Plassey House

What You Said:Training and Development

What you Said:• Training and Development is important for research.

Response:• Twelve research-specific programmes have been run since November 2011• All other University training and development programmes also available for

researchers.• On-line Epigeum research specific training programmes are available on the HR

website:– Intellectual Property in the Research Context– Entrepreneurship for Researchers– Research Skills & Career Planning – Skills for Research Leaders (available online early 2013)– The University and College Teaching Programme

What You Said:Training and Development

• The Research and Knowledge Transfer (Leadership Development Programme) • Research coaching programme planned for next semester• PDRS for Research Staff• Applying for EU Funding • Writing for Publication

Other Initiatives• Euraxess: Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R):

– A detailed plan for coming five years.– Agreement on important initiatives for research.– Access to experience of range of other European universities.

• What is involved? – Gap analysis undertaken.– Steering committee in place.– Action plan underway.– Will be subject to external audit.– Will be published on HR website once approved by EU

Research Careers & Development Framework – An Overview

• Background• Guiding Principles, and Realities• Overview of Proposed Framework

Background• European Strategy:

- The European Charter for Researchers - Euraxess

• National Strategy:- Higher Education Research Group (HERG)- Advisory Science Council- Irish Universities Association (IUA)

Guiding Principles • Access to training & continuous development• Clarity• Recognition• Explicit Focus on your Career

Realities • Approximately 14% of those who do a PhD remain in

academia. • Government funding declining – fewer academic posts.

Key Elements

Recruitment

Recruitment Support Your Career…

Train

Develop

Coach

Plan

Support

Advise

Progress

Industry

Spin-Out Company

Research Career

Academia

Entrepreneur

Key Elements

Researcher DevelopmentFramework

Research Contracts

Researcher Coaching

Programme

Development Programmes

Researcher Career

Planning

Job Evaluation for Senior Research

Posts

Research Role Profiles

Careers Support

Seminars

Attract Excellent

Researchers

Research Career Planning• PDRS• Additional Focus on Career ManagementA. Short-Term Career Objectives (Year 1):1. Research and Scholarship

2. Communication

3. Liaison/ networking/ Collaborative working

4. Project / Time / Resource Management

5. Expertise

B. Long-Term Career Objectives

Training and Development

• Twelve research-specific programmes have been run since November 2011– Intellectual Property– Research Ethics– Persuasive Communication– Working with industry

• All other training and development programmes also available for researchers.• On-line Epigeum research specific training programmes are available on the HR

Research website:– Intellectual Property in the Research Context– Entrepreneurship for Researchers– Research Skills & Career Planning – Skills for Research Leaders (available online early 2013)– The University and College Teaching Programme

Research Role Profiles• The role profiles will provide you with clear expectations

about what is required to be successful in the job.• For use at recruitment for drafting adverts. • Four Key Headings:

– Research – Supervision– Contribution to Research Culture / UL Profile.– Qualifications and Experience.

Careers Support Seminars• UL Careers Office• External Providers

Questions?