RESEARCH STAFF
ROLE PROFILES
Human Resources Division and Office of Vice-President Research
Research Staff Role Profiles
Page 1 of 11
Document number HRD022.1
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level are concerned with assisting an individual research leader or team to
conduct a particular study (or group of studies). They will generally be involved in data generation
and/or collection using standard and well-defined methods developed by others. They will be working
under close supervision by, and direction from, a more senior researcher or member of academic
staff, who will be ultimately responsible for the project.
This may be the entry level for some staff that are expected to train and/or develop to take on more
senior researcher roles. Role holders should be provided with academic and pastoral support within
the department (including counselling on realistic career opportunities) and skills development.
Reports
to/Supervised by
PhD required
PI / Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow/ Member of Academic Staff
No
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research
Research
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Assist an individual research leader or team to conduct a particular study (or
group of studies).
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Conduct literature and database searches and interpret and present the
findings of the literature searches as appropriate.
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Make use of standard research techniques and methods.
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Assists in analysis and interpretation of results of own research.
Research Management
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Plan and manage own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the
agreed project. For example, create and maintain a workplan and daybook,
meet agreed schedules, milestones, deliverables and/or research outputs.
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Manage personal research/project resources within own control appropriately
(including where required, laboratories, specialist equipment, consumables)
e.g. under direction co-ordinate the provision of consumable items for the
project (auditing stock, liaising with suppliers, preparing regular orders of
commonly used items).
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Keep appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy.
Income Generation / Funding
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None expected but may, within the context of a research team, contribute to
the development of research proposals for development reasons.
Research Outputs - Write Up and Dissemination
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Write up results from own research activity (e.g. as project report) for review
by PI.
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Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form
(report, papers, chapters, book) as directed by the PI/project leader.
Authorship should be decided in line with guidelines such as the Vancouver
Protocol, or similar authorship guidelines as appropriate.
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Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies
supervising research; steering groups; other team members, as agreed with
the PI/project leader.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
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Should write at least workshop level papers.
Supervision
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Contribution to
Research Culture /
UL Profile
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Support and, where appropriate, co-supervise the work of undergraduate
students e.g. Final Year Project Students.
Continue to update knowledge and develop skills.
Where appropriate provide advice and / or assistance to support staff,
research students. May participate in limited student contact hours for own
development (e.g. May deliver laboratory demonstrations, teaching
laboratory test methods and demonstrating of various experiments and
equipment used to undergraduates). The extent of this must not adversely
impact the primary research role.
Develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas.
Actively participate as a member of a research team.
Attend and contribute to relevant meetings/conferences.
May contribute to work of department through activities such as student
Open Days, other promotion activity in Department/University as
appropriate.
Possesses sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the
discipline (for example with an undergraduate or Master’s degree).
Knowledge of research processes, methods and techniques.
May possess (or be working towards) a higher research degree.
Computer /IT literacy and statistical proficiency (as appropriate).
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Qualifications &
Experience
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Policy & Standards
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Knowledge of, and adherence to, the University’s Policies and procedures
relevant to role e.g.:
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Knowledge and compliance with health and safety in laboratory based
research projects to ensure work undertaken with Good Laboratory Practice
(GLP).
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Knowledge of Research Ethics as applied to the relevant discipline.
Research Staff Role Profiles
Page 3 of 11
Document number HRD022.1
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will be experienced researchers, drawing upon knowledge gained from
postgraduate research. It would be usual that roles holders are at early career development (<6 years
research experience.
They may be associated with a particular project (or projects) and will contribute ideas, and/or
enhancement of techniques or methodologies. They will still be working under supervision, but will be
expected to take significant initiatives in their work and consult with the Principal Investigator over the
details of the project.
They will be involved in administration relevant to their projects (e.g. report writing, managing other
researchers and monitoring research budgets). They will be expected to be undertaking research
individually and/or collectively and to be advancing the state of knowledge and understanding within
their particular area of expertise. Role holders will be provided with academic and pastoral support
within the department (including counselling on realistic career opportunities) and skills development.
Reports
to/Supervised by
PhD required
PI / Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow/Faculty Member
Yes/ Equivalent Research Experience (Including Industrial R&D)
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research
Research
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Contribute to the research programme of the Department under general
guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator/
Project Leader.
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Define research objectives and proposals for own (or joint) research in
line with research strategy.
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Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in a variety of
settings (laboratory, creative performance, field, clinical setting).
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Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and
support as appropriate.
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Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations /
commercial exploitation.
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Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research
activity.
Research Management
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Plan, co-ordinate and implement research project (this may include
managing a small research team/co-ordinating other researcher activity).
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Manage own personal and research resources (including where required,
laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately.
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Manage own research budget, if any, and keep records as directed and in
line with Funder/University policy as appropriate.
Income Generation / Funding
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May identify sources of funding and pursue the process of securing funds.
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May work with PI to contribute to proposals for developmental purposes.
Research Outputs - Write Up and Dissemination
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
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Supervision
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Contribution to
Research Culture /
UL Profile
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Qualifications &
Experience
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Write up results from own research activity.
Contribute to the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form
(report, papers, chapters, book)
Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies
supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members,
as agreed with the PI / project leader.
Where appropriate, work with PI to register patents to protect intellectual
property.
May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.
May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The
extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
May act as mentor to foreign students on undergraduate placement.
Keep up to date with research related methods and techniques, in
particular, developments in the specific research area.
May act as a referee and contribute peer assessment.
May be asked to participate in Journal Review Boards.
May contribute to the department through, for example, participating in
promotion activity such as student Open Days, career days, or contribute
to public events such as science week etc.
Participate in internal / external networks for the exchange of information
and to form relationships for future research collaboration.
Attend and network at relevant conferences and meeting hosted by
relevant professional institutions and other universities as appropriate
Deepen understanding of relevant issues in the higher education,
research, funding and political environment.
Collaborate with colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the
discipline and of research methods and techniques (for example, having
obtained a PhD degree or equivalent experience to work on the research
projects or programmes).
Policy & Standards
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Knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures,
relevant to the role, which may include broader University/ sector/
external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research
Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health
and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
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Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data
protection requirements.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
RESEARCH FELLOW
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will have substantial experience of research (normally not less than six
years). They will initiate and take responsibility for research projects and may adopt a leadership role
on the project.
They will be involved in administration relevant to their projects, managing other researchers and
monitoring research budgets. They will be expected to undertake research individually and/or
collectively and to be advancing the state of knowledge and understanding within their particular area
of expertise as well as publishing regularly in high quality outlets.
They are expected to be establishing a growing reputation within their particular research field and
academic discipline and to be establishing a growing national reputation within their field.
Role holders will mentor more junior staff, encouraging and supporting their development/career.
Postholders will engage in continuous professional development activity.
Reports
to/Supervised by
PI / Senior Research Fellow/ Faculty Member
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research
Research
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Define research objectives and carry out original and significant
research which supports research activity in the Institute/Department.
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Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research
pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
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Decide on research programmes and methodologies, often in
collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of
the head of the research programme on fundamental issues.
Income Generation / Funding
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Input into identifying and securing research funding of a large scale
(with Institutional support as required).
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Contribute to research group funding bids as appropriate.
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Extend the scope of funding sources / opportunities; develop ideas for
generating income and promoting research area. .
Research Management
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Where appropriate act as project leader - as such will act as a line and
resource manager (e.g. of research teams).
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Organise and conduct meetings with research staff to clarify objectives ,
develop team work plans/timetables for research and support staff,
communicate progress.
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Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
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Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects.
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Play a leadership role in mentoring junior colleagues and co-ordinating
the work of research staff.
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Assist in training of research students.
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Deal with contract negotiation and financial allocation with other
collaborators for research projects.
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Plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
Supervision
Contribution to Research
Culture / UL Profile
Write Up and Dissemination
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Write up research work for publication.
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Contribute to patents / commercial application (as appropriate).
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Contribute to the dissemination of research findings as appropriate to
the discipline in high quality/impact peer reviewed publications,
conference presentations, knowledge share events.
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May act as co-supervisor or may be a member of a supervision panel.
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Devise & supervise the work of students e.g., PhD Students where
possible.
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Supervise the work of the research team if appropriate.
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Qualifications and
Experience
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Contribute to the development of research strategy within
institute/department.
Make a sustained contribution to the research centre/institutes
research reputation and income.
Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids.
Provide expert advice on research issues to research fellows and other
colleagues.
Provide training, expert advice and / or assistance to new members of
the team, research students.
Make presentations or exhibitions at national or international
conferences and other similar events.
May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The
extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the
discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.
Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the
discipline to act in a leadership role.
Policy & Standards
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Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and
procedures, relevant to the role, provision of advice to junior colleagues
on policy and standards, which may include broader University/ sector/
external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research
Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights,
Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
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Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data
protection requirements.
Research Staff Role Profiles
Page 7 of 11
Document number HRD022.1
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
JOB SUMMARY
Role holders at this level will have extensive experience of research and research management. They
will have a significant leadership role in collaborative research bids, leading research teams or driving
forward innovative research themselves. They will manage the design, development and delivery of a
range of research programmes and provide research leadership, contributing to the strategic direction
of their department/research centre/Institute and enhance the departmental/research centre/institute
research reputation e.g. through publications in refereed journals, contributions to edited volumes or
authorships of major text(s) as appropriate to the discipline, over a sustained period.
Role holders at this level will have established reputations within their research field. They will enjoy a
wide recognition for their expertise and will have made recognised and significant contributions to the
developing knowledge and understanding of their research area.
Supervised by
PI /Faculty Member
REPRESENTATIVE WORK ACTIVITIES
Research
Research
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Define research objectives and carry out substantive, original and
significant research which supports research activity in the
Institute/Department.
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Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research
pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
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Play a leading role in regional, national/international collaborative
research projects.
Income Generation / Funding
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Contribute to major research grant applications to support research
projects.
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Attract through reputation sources of income as appropriate.
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Make a significant contribution to Institute/Department’s Research
Income.
Research Management
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May act be responsible for the overall leadership and management of a
funded research project.
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Organise and conduct meetings with research staff to clarify objectives ,
develop team work plans/timetables for research and support staff,
communicate progress.
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Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
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Participate in the selection of staff working on their own projects.
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Play a leadership role in mentoring junior colleagues and co-ordinating
the work of research staff.
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Assist in training of research students.
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Deal with contract negotiation and financial allocation with other
collaborators for research projects.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
Supervision
Contribution to Research
Culture/UL Profile
Qualifications &
Experience
Write Up and Dissemination
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Write up research work for publication.
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Contribute to patents / commercial application (as appropriate).
.
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May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.
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Supervise the work of the research team.
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Make a significant contribution to the research centre/institutes
research reputation and income.
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Contribute to the development of research strategies within
Department/Faculty/Research Institute.
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Provide training, expert advice and / or assistance to new members of
the team, research students.
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Peer review manuscripts for publication and/or research bids.
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Help to create networks of researchers and opportunities for their junior
researchers, advising them on possible sources of research funding,
providing expert advice on their projects, and generally overseeing the
development of their careers
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Play a leading role/is active in external networks or professional
organisations, to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain
consultancy projects, or build collaborative relationships for future
activities.
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Where appropriate, develop relations with public and private enterprises
in order to capitalise on intellectual property.
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May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The
extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
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An established reputation for the quality of their research work.
Extensive experience of initiating, designing and implementing research
projects.
Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the
discipline to act as a research leader and to be able to project manage
major projects.
Policy & Standards
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Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and
procedures, relevant to the role, provision of advice to junior colleagues
on policy and standards, which may include broader University/ sector/
external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research
Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights,
Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
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Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data
protection requirements.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
Generic Skills (early career)
Research skills and awareness
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Exhibit knowledge of advances and developments in their field.
Demonstrate knowledge of research in related fields and disciplines.
Understand and effectively employ appropriate research methodologies.
Critically analyse and synthesise new and complex information from diverse sources.
Formulate and apply solutions to research problems and effectively interpret research
results.
Exercise critical judgement and apply critical thinking to create new ways of
understanding.
Demonstrate, where appropriate, a knowledge of health and safety procedures and their
application in the research environment
Have a broad awareness and knowledge of key relevant funding sources and grant
application procedures.
Appreciate basic principles of project and time management.
Personal effectiveness/development
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Operate in an independent and self-directed manner, showing initiative to accomplish
clearly defined goals.
Appreciate key rhetorical skills, including how to persuade others of a viewpoint’s merits,
demonstrating and communicating credible suggestions to achieve one’s aims.
Be capable of initiating new projects, proactively reacting to newly identified needs or
aiming to resolve persistent problems.
Be able to handle difficulties in research or other professional activities in an appropriate
way.
Critically reflect on experiences and act on such in a cycle of self-improvement.
Team-working and leadership
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Be able to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues.
Be able to work in a collaborative environment.
Be aware of their own working style, that of others, and how they interact.
Understand how to acknowledge others’ views, with a willingness to reflect on them and
critically appraise them.
Be capable of leadership in team environments, recognising the strengths of team
members and working effectively to achieve mutual goals.
Communication skills
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Demonstrate effective writing and publishing skills.
Be able to effectively use and decide on appropriate forms and levels of communication.
Know how to communicate and explain research to diverse audiences, including both
specialist and non-specialist.
Career management
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Demonstrate an awareness of transferable skills and their applicability to both academic
and non-academic positions and how they are applied in different circumstances.
Have ownership of their own career management, forming credible career plans
Initiate and sustain networks and relationships that may encourage opportunities for
employment.
Present themselves and their skills, attributes, experiences and qualifications, through
effective job applications, CVs and interviews.
Understand the broadest possible range of their employment opportunities.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1
Entrepreneurship & innovation
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Understand the role of innovation and creativity in research.
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of intellectual property issues, appreciate
and, where appropriate, contribute to knowledge exchange.
The development of entrepreneurial enterprises in the public and private sectors
Understand different cultural environments, including the business world, and the
contribution that knowledge transfer can make to society.
Ethics and social understanding
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Fully understand, and apply in their research, principles of ethical conduct of research,
including plagiarism, allocation of credit and authorship and definitions of research
misconduct.
Understand the relevance of research in society and the potential impact of research on
individuals, groups or society.
Where applicable, understand and apply the relevant guidelines for the ethical conduct of
research involving people, human tissue and animals.
Research Staff Role Profiles
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Document number HRD022.1