Early Career Researchers
at The University of Edinburgh
Jeremy Bradshaw
Assistant Principal (Researcher
Development)
Chair of Molecular Biophysics
THE UNIVERSITY
of EDINBURGH
THE UNIVERSITY
of EDINBURGH
“The UK is committed to enhancing the higher-level capabilities
of the UK workforce including the development of world-class
researchers. Researchers are critical to economic success,
addressing major global challenges, and building a leading
knowledge economy.” (Vitae Researcher Development
Statement)
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
“The Concordat is an agreement between the
funders and employers of researchers in the UK,
setting out the expectations and responsibilities of
each stakeholder in researcher careers –
researchers themselves, their managers,
employers and funders. It aims to increase the
attractiveness and sustainability of research
careers in the UK and to improve the quantity,
quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK
society and the economy.”
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Welcome to Edinburgh!
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
The University of
Edinburgh has
around:
33k students
6.5k academic staff
6k support staff
4.5k PGR students
1.7k early career
researchers
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THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
“As a world-leading centre of academic
excellence we aim to:
•Enhance our position as one of the world’s
leading research and teaching universities
and to measure our performance against the
highest international standards;
•Provide the highest quality learning and
teaching environment for the greater
wellbeing of our students;
•Produce graduates fully equipped to achieve
the highest personal and professional
standards;
•Make a significant, sustainable and socially
responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK
and the world, promoting health and
economic and cultural wellbeing.”
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
“To meet our aim we will: attract,
reward and retain the best people,
accessing talent from around the world
develop the knowledge, capabilities
and skills of our people maintain a
sustainable staffing profile which meets
our evolving needs be inclusive,
supportive and collegial in our
approach, which is underpinned by
principles of dignity and respect,
equality and diversity, health, safety
and wellbeing.”
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Welcome
to
Edinburgh!
• Senatus Researcher Experience Committee
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Institute for Academic Development
Post-Doc Societies
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
What do we mean by
Early Career Researcher?
a person who has taken up
their first post following
completion of their PhD
(REC Taskgroup on Early Career
Researchers)
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Key Findings
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Much good practice exists within the University;
Careers management support is available from Institute for
Academic Development, Careers Service, Edinburgh
Research and Innovation and through schools, research
institutes and research staff societies;
There is an issue with the visibility of this information to
research staff and awareness of what is available.
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Good Practice in Other UK
Welcome to Edinburgh!
Universities
• Ease of finding information
(e.g. Bristol has research staff pages accessible from university
home page)
• Existence of specific structures to support
induction
(e.g. Cambridge has a dedicated webpage for new research
staff, Bristol has “induction co-ordinators” in each school)
• “Branding” of career and personal development
management services to raise profile
(e.g. Sheffield “Think Ahead” programme)
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Recommendations
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Research staff webpages;
Induction;
Mentoring;
Information on researcher
destinations.
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH