Support for Research Staff

We are committed to supporting and developing our research staff (postdocs, research assistants and independently funded research fellows). We recognise the important role that this group plays in helping to achieve our research goals – both people at the beginning of their career, as well as those at more advanced stages. We aim to increase the numbers annually with a 50 per cent growth in post-doctoral research assistants, and a total of 50 independently funded research fellows by 2015.

Concordat 

The College is committed to the seven principles enunciated in the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. In 2011, the College conducted a review of our policies and practices against the principles of the Concordat and noted how our current provision is already meeting many of the expectations contained within the Concordat. This led to the development of a Concordat Implementation Plan, which has identified areas that we intend to work on to build on these successes. Queen Mary has recently received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award in recognition of our continued commitment to the development of our researchers.

Recruitment

Queen Mary has been shortlisted for a THES Award in 2011 for offering 'outstanding support to early career researchers. In 2010 Queen Mary successfully renewed its Bronze Athena SWAN Award, for excellence in recruiting and advancing the careers of women in science, engineering and technology (SET). To see a full list of our current research staff vacancies please visit our Teaching and Research Jobs webpage.

Fellowships and grant funding

Our annual Queen Mary Fellowship Days attracts speakers from all the major funding bodies (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, NIHR, The Leverhulme Trust, The Wellcome Trust and The Royal Society) who showcase their schemes that support researchers who are looking to become future independent researchers.

Consultancy and support

Queen Mary offers many opportunities for career development. The Learning Institute organises activities and workshops that are tailored to meet the specific needs of research staff across the College, so that they can improve their current working experiences and make more informed career plans and choices. Consultancy and support is also offered in the form of individual and group sessions for research staff who would like to pursue a career in research and those who are considering careers outside academia and / or research. Discussion topics include:

• CV writing / job applications
• Mentoring / coaching / MBTI
• Career development
• Fellowships / funding opportunities

Who to contact 

For more information about support available for research staff and students please contact: 

Dr Ian Forristal 
Development Adviser for Research Staff 
email: i.forristal@qmul.ac.uk
Tel: (0)20 7882 2812