Pathway 2 - Role Profile Level b

Senior Research Associate (Grade J)

This profile assumes that all the qualifications, skills and experiences required of a Level A researcher have been acquired.  It also assumes that the responsibilities of a Level A researcher will have been fulfilled satisfactorily.  Only the additional requirements are spelled out below

Role Summary

  1. Role holders at this level will be experienced, professional researchers and subject specialists, drawing upon knowledge gained from postgraduate research and/or working within a Level A role.
  2. They will be associated with a particular project (or projects) and will contribute ideas, and/or enhancement of techniques or methodologies.
  3. They will be expected to do some writing for dissemination as appropriate to the role.
  4. They will still be working under supervision, but they will also be expected to take significant initiatives in their work and consult with the Principal Investigator over the details of the project.
  5. They may contribute to the School’s teaching, through supervision of projects, overseeing practical classes, or taking small group tutorial classes.
  6. They will be provided with academic and pastoral support within the School (including guidance on realistic career opportunities) and training and development activities will be available. These will be designed to develop their competencies and ability to take on a wider range of responsibilities.

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Qualifications, skills and experience needed for appointment to Level B

  1. A relevant postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional experience in the research area required.
  2. Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research.
  3. Significant previous experience of independent research (or transferable skills gained from professional or clinical experience combined with some experience or an awareness of the research environment).
  4. High-level analytical skills.
  5. Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to their research project.
  6. Presentations at conferences and some publications in respected journals or equivalent in the field.
  7. Full awareness of the ethical issues involved in their research work.
  8. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and in writing.
  9. Ability to stimulate and encourage the commitment to learn in others.
  10. Ability to use initiative, and apply creativity, to solve problems that are encountered in the teaching and/or research context.
  11. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students.
  12. Ability to organise their own time and work, to meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

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Responsibilities

  1. Although working under the general guidance of a more experienced academic or Principal Investigator, they will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the study, to the research project, thus providing substantial ‘added value’.
  2. Determine and deploy appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support.
  3. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
  4. Write up their own research work for publication, with appropriate support, in respected journals or equivalent and/or contribute as a team member to larger publications.
  5. Present research findings, either at conferences or seminars appropriate to the discipline.
  6. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others.
  7. May (consonant with the terms of their funding) contribute to the teaching of students in the School, usually within their own field of expertise and knowledge of research methods.
  8. May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate/taught postgraduate research projects as well as the day-to-day supervision of PhD students.
  9. May (consonant with the terms of their funding) identify personal research objectives, develop a plan for personal research and initiate research that leads to the development of knowledge and theoretical understanding.
  10. Begin to write, with appropriate support, bids for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids.
  11. Begin to referee papers for external bodies.
  12. Participate effectively in activities to achieve engagement with research, and/or impact beyond academia.
  13. Where the research is apposite, begin to develop entrepreneurial or collaborative links either with external organisations or with in-house companies.
  14. Where appropriate, register patents to protect intellectual property.
  15. Consistently act as a good citizen, actively taking on administrative duties and participating fully in the daily working life of the School, behaving as a role model for others.
  16. Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) appropriately.
  17. Develop an awareness of University, Faculty and School strategy and objectives, including how their role contributes to these.
  18. Develop an understanding of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
  19. Maintain academic standards, academic freedom and work in accordance with University policies (e.g. regarding equal opportunities, ethics, health and safety).
  20. Engage effectively in the University’s Staff Review and Development process and develop, with advice, an awareness of their own professional development needs and a personal development strategy, engaging with continuing professional development appropriate to the role. This may include engagement with the University’s CREATE scheme or Health Professions Education programme. 

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Relationships and Contacts

  1. Will be line managed by a more experienced member of the School, normally the Principal Investigator.
  2. May work within teams and should contribute to the academic life of the School through participation in research seminars and contribution to appropriate School meetings.
  3. Will work with Professional Services staff and with students, as well as relate intellectually to other academics within their School.
  4. Will be actively developing their own research network with researchers in other institutions, nationally and internationally.
  5. Will communicate with users of, and communities relevant to, the research and, as appropriate, the subjects of their research.

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