Careers and professional development

As a Research Area Lead (RAL) there is an expectation that you will support and mentor fellow researchers at different stages of their research career. Your role is critical in assisting individuals and research groups to enhance and extend their scholarly activity. By supporting our colleagues, we contribute positively to the research successes of individuals and subject areas, we build the research profile of the Business School and enhance the reputation of the University.

320 hours are allocated to the Workload Plan (WLP) as an RAL. Indicative activities of an RAL would normally include:

• Organising and leading formal and informal meetings with colleagues in receipt of research/knowledge exchange (KE) hours to develop and review research plans and identify areas of support;

• Participating, where relevant, in leadership activities and initiatives within OBBS;

• Offering advice on research career planning, CVs, internal promotion applications etc. and, where relevant, suggesting and supporting professional development activities;

• Reviewing and providing feedback on drafts of research-related manuscripts, bid applications and impact claims;

• Identifying and communicating to researchers any opportunities for publishing, networking, public engagement, impact and bidding, and actively facilitating their participation wherever possible;

• Positively and actively contributing to the activities of the OBBS research centres and, where relevant, the broader university research networks;

• Engaging actively in research-related developmental initiatives identified by OBBS, for example, designing and leading professional development activities, or organising and promoting specialist events with internal/external guest speakers;

• Proactively engaging with Programme Leads, Principal Lecturers and relevant line managers in the planning and management of workloads for individual researchers and subject teams;

• Taking an active role in annual Personal and Professional Development (PDP) reviews with PLs for all colleagues receiving research or knowledge exchange hours allocations on their WLPs;

• Supporting the development of research groups and networks within and across subjects, where relevant;

• Providing timely documentation and updates regarding research outputs, dissemination and public engagement, knowledge exchange, impact and income generation activities to the OBBS research office and the School’s Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (ADRKE) whenever necessary;

• Contributing proactively to the evolving research culture of the School through contributing ideas for innovation, feedback and constructive advice to help build the research and KE profile of OBBS. 

This is a response to the need to make transparent the researcher career development opportunities within OBBS. Importantly these roles are seen as assisting in the delivery of the mission and vision of OBBS and the successful upward trajectory of research in the faculty. Undertaking these roles may then be used by an individual researcher to demonstrate meeting elements of the core criteria for promotion.

The current roles (as at Feb 2022, but subject to amendment) are:

• Research Area Lead (4 currently)

• Grant Panel Chair

• Grant Panel deputy

• Research Ethics Officer(s)

• Director/Co-director research centre (4 currently)

• Theme champions within BSGC research centre

• Research Reporter co-coordinator

At present, time in these roles is flexible, though unofficially 3 years, but this approach stifles opportunities for career development, particularly for ECRs. Moving forward from Sept 2022 all roles will be formalised on a three year cycle, incumbents may reapply for their current role only once to give a max of 6 years in post. Posts will be advertised within OBBS to research active staff and applications from across the faculty will be welcomed. Appointments will be made by the ADRKE with input from senior researchers and other colleagues where relevant.

Current posts that will be up for renewal or change in summer of 2022 include the RAL for Tourism and Hospitality, the RAL for AFE, and the Grant Panel Chair and deputy.

Posts up for renewal or change in summer 2023 include RAL for Marketing.

This formalised process was approved by OBBS Fac Exec Feb 8th 2022.

We’re not just for undergraduates! The Careers Centre offers the full range of its services to research students and fixed-term research staff at OBU. This includes one-to-one advice and guidance and practical support with job searching, applications and interviews, whether you intend to pursue an academic research career or extend your horizons beyond academia.

Find out more here