The Researcher Academy
The Researcher Academy provides you with the resources, programmes, events and careers advice to enable you to maximise your potential as a member of research staff at the University of Bath.
".. this is a great initiative to help researchers to find different resources and available support from across the University, especially those who are new at Bath and/or in their very early career stages.”
Within the first couple of months of joining the University, you will be invited for a personal induction meeting with our Researcher Development Manager, who will explain more about the opportunities available to you, tailored to your own career goals.
New to the University of Bath
There are many ways that we support you as you start in your new role and throughout your time as a researcher at the University of Bath.
When you start your new research role, you will receive a local induction from your line manager and/or principal investigator, research group where applicable, and a departmental/school induction. This will introduce you to the support, processes, and policies related to your local working environment.
Our information for new staff provides a summary of all the information you may find useful in your first few months working at the university as well as an outline of what to expected as you are inducted, from your first week to your first six months.
"I found the induction experience at the University of Bath to be exceptionally well-organized and welcoming. I particularly appreciated the clarity with which the university outlined its research support structures, administrative processes, and available resources. I also valued the opportunity to meet colleagues across disciplines, which fostered a collaborative atmosphere from the start.”
There is also an Introduction to University of Bath webinar, which we encourage you to attend. This will provide you with some interesting information about the history of the University and introduce you to the different departments that can support you in your role. You can also access the accompanying Welcome Pack.
We are fully committed to creating a productive, supportive and enjoyable work environment for research staff. You can learn more about our Vision for Research Staff working at the University of Bath.
Who are our research staff
You are a member of Bath ‘research staff’ if your primary job role at the University is to conduct research but you have not yet established research independence or a managerial/supervisory position. Most research staff at Bath are paid through external research funding and on fixed-term contracts. Your job title may be Research Fellow, Postdoctoral Research Associate (sometimes referred to as a PDRA), Research Assistant, or you may have another role dedicated to conducting research as your primary focus.
Career and Professional Development
We recommend that you have regular discussions with your line manager and colleagues about your development and career ambitions. You can also book a one to one career development discussion with our Research Development Manager
"One-on-one meetings offer a unique, secure space to explore topics that rarely surface during the daily grind. Beyond providing tailored advice and career guidance, these sessions are mentally invigorating. They offer a genuine sense of being heard and supported"
Research Staff Working Group: Improving the working environment for research staff
We have a well-established Research Staff Working Group who are made up of research associates and research fellows from across our university departments.
"Being part of the Research Staff Working Group over the past year has been immensely rewarding. In this collaborative space, I have felt heard and empowered to contribute to shaping a positive and supportive environment for university’s research staff and at the same time I had the privilege of connecting with inspiring colleagues across diverse departments".
Working with our Researcher Development Manager, the Group uses the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers as the basis for continuously enhancing our researchers' career development opportunities and improving our research environment.
"I believe it is important to give research staff a voice, especially when they are often on fixed term contracts and therefore may feel that they are not able to contribute to the Universities long-term policies. The RSWG pushes forward agendas that directly impact researchers and aims to carve out an area within the university for researchers to solidify their long-term careers"
The group identifies our priority areas for action and develops a three-year action plan, against which it reviews progress and holds key stakeholders to account. Our commitment to implementing the Concordat is recognised though holding the HR Excellence in Research Award.
If you do not see your department being represented in this group, why not volunteer to become a member? Joining the RSWG is a great way to make an impact and demonstrate “academic citizenship”, learn about university governance and decision-making, while also increasing your network within Bath and actively contributing to enhancing research culture. If you want to find out more or get involved, please get in touch (The Researcher Academy@bath.ac.uk)
Why the Concordat is important to research staff
The Concordat is a national document that sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers of researchers and funders. We have developed a code of practice at the University of Bath, to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities, from Heads of Department, to line mangers of researchers and researchers themselves. It provides guidance to Heads of Departments, managers, and Departmental Research Staff Leads on how they can create a supportive research environment.
We encourage you take a look at the Concordat and our Code of Practice to see what we are expecting from you and what you should expect from us in return.
Departmental Research Staff Leads
Departmental Research Staff Leads are responsible for supporting you within your department. Their role is to ensure you are welcomed and integrated into your department. They will help you find a mentor, ensure that research staff are represented in department committees and included in annual appraisals/career conversations and signpost you to opportunities and support for your career development, including local activities such as panel discussions or external speakers.
They act within your department and feedback on progress to their Department Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee