Pathway 2 - Role Profile Level a

Research Associate (Grade I)


Role Summary

  1. Role holders at this level will be working under supervision/direction from a more experienced researcher, who will be ultimately responsible for the project.
  2. They will draw on their experience of postgraduate research or equivalent work experience to conduct studies which contribute to the research work of an individual research leader or team.
  3. They will generally be involved in data generation and/or collection using standard and well-defined methods developed by others or developed by them with support/direction from an experienced colleague.
  4. Role holders will be provided with academic (including guidance on realistic career opportunities) and pastoral support within the School and training will be available 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 at Level A

  1. A good honours degree (or equivalent) with subject knowledge in the relevant area and some research experience.
  2. A relevant postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional qualification/experience or be working towards one.
  3. Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within their own area.
  4. Well-developed analytical skills.
  5. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word.
  6. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students.
  7. Ability to use initiative, and apply creativity, to solve problems that are encountered in the research context.
  8. Ability to organise their own time and work, to meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

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Responsibilities

  1. Contribute effectively to the research programme of the School under the guidance of a more experienced academic Principal Investigator.
  2. Use their initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
  3. Co-ordinate their own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
  4. Present information on research progress and outcomes to groups overseeing the research project and in wider School-based fora such as research seminars.
  5. Write up results from their own research activity and contribute to the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book, conference posters and presentations).
  6. Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date.
  7. May participate in activities to achieve engagement with research and/or impact beyond academia.
  8. Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) appropriately.
  9. Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with University policies (e.g. equal opportunities, ethics, health and safety policies).
  10. May provide advice and demonstrate techniques to students in their discipline.
  11. Undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities (including small amounts of teaching) and to support their career development.
  12. 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.
  13. Consistently act as a good citizen, actively participating fully in the daily working life of the School.

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Relationships and Contacts

  1. Will be managed, advised and assisted by a more experienced academic or Principal Investigator.
  2. May work with other researchers in a team and actively participate in the work of the team.
  3. Will liaise with research colleagues and support staff on day-to-day issues.
  4. May provide help and guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research.
  5. May act as a research staff representative, sitting on the University Research Staff Reps committee and attending School staff meetings as well as acting as a point of contact for other researchers in their school.
  6. Will be starting to develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas of study, in order to assist the work of their research project(s).

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