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Considering a teaching and research contract

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I have a doctorate and am thinking of moving to a teaching and research contract

The University of Northampton (UON) has developed two kinds of academic contracts, recognising the different expertise and contributions of diverse colleagues:

  • the ‘T&S’ Academic Contract (Teaching & Scholarship) is designed for colleagues with a learning and teaching focus. It includes dedicated workload time for scholarly activity, as required, but does not include requirements around research outputs. Workload is allocated in accordance with UON Guidance for Populating Academic Workplans
  • the T&R’ Academic Contract (Teaching & Research) is designed for those colleagues (typically post-doctoral) who can demonstrate a significant and ongoing track record of research and research outputs. In line with UON Guidance for Populating Academic Workplans, the T&R contract includes an annual allocation of research activity hours. This contract has a minimum requirement that at least two 2* quality outputs or the equivalent are produced every three years, however in practice we are keen to support the holders of these contracts to work towards reaching 3* outputs and above

If you have a doctorate, a developing profile of academic publication, and plans for future research outputs, then the T&R contract might be right for you.

We have put together a range of resources and information to support you in making decisions about, and developing an application for, the T&R contract. Here you’ll find some development outcomes to help you think about your research profile and plans in relation to the requirements of the T&R contract. We have also provided some example PDR objectives, embedded in some broader discussion topics support conversations with your line manager.

You’ll also find some useful development activities and resources, and a ‘who’s who’ of useful contacts within the University to support you in broadening your support network.

We are planning to build a bank of good practice examples for colleagues who are thinking of moving to a T&R contract, and the resources here will be continuously updated.

We hope you find this information useful. You can provide feedback via the link at any time that suits you here on the researcher development feedback form.

Scroll down for further information.

  • Here you will find some example development objectives that we think will support you at this stage. They have been developed by a working group of diverse, multi-disciplinary colleagues. The themes were raised by colleagues in a cross-University survey about researcher needs, and are mapped to external benchmarks and sector good practice (e.g. Vitae), plus relevant internal strategies and policies.

    The objectives identify some key actions for you to complete. Staff needs are likely to be different as the research career progresses, but progression is not always linear and different forms of objectives and support may be required at different times. You may want to adapt them to your own needs, in consultation with your line manager, mentor or research lead.

    Developing identity as a researcher

    Actively share your research with local and national contacts, building your confidence in dissemination and wider engagement in your field outside the University. Keep your PURE profile (where applicable) up to date and ensure that you have at least one research-related objective in your Performance and Development Review (PDR).

    Broadening your research knowledge (skills) and experience

    Schedule time to draw up a plan for preparing research outputs. Review your doctoral and other research and identify possible publications and outputs that might come from it. Seek mentoring/peer support to help you prioritise which outputs to focus on. Schedule time to speak with colleagues who are on T&R contracts. Ask them how they found the experience, and their tips for focusing on research outputs. Based on the discussion, assess whether a research degree is for you.

    Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Consider how your research might contribute to debates and practice in relation to age, gender, race, disability, sexualities and other social-cultural identities in your discipline. Actively engage with the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda through your own research activities. Talk to your Research Leader or a centre or institute lead to identify ways that you can do this, and review information published by organisations like UKRI on the topic to see what actions you can take.

    Organisational expectations/vision

    As part of your PDR discussions, explore with your line manager whether a T&R contract would fit with your current workload and role.

    Review the current criteria for T&R contracts and particularly note the requirement to produce two research outputs which have potential to be ‘recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour’ (REF 2*), every three years. Assess whether this is a realistic expectation for you at this time. If you decide to proceed, contact your Faculty Research Lead for guidance on the process.

    Developing networks, partnerships/collaborations

    Actively engage within a research community. Engage with groups and research centres that are working in area of interest. Engage with UON’s research events such as conferences and Early Career Research group. Identify and engage with colleagues outside UON for potential collaborations.

  • Colleagues and line managers have asked for guidance on setting Performance and Development Review (PDR) objectives relating to research. We have provided four example PDR objectives for colleagues at your stage. Examples can be selected and adapted to suit individual development priorities.

    1. Attend Research Centre events, the annual UON Research or L&T Conference

    • Focusing on research
    • Building relationships

    2. Seek to establish relationship with industry or other external partner and identify mutually beneficial outcomes

    • Achieving social impact
    • Building relationships
    • Delivering high quality performance
    • Focusing on income and advancement

    3. Join an ongoing research project or enterprising activity and contribute to its completion

    • Focusing on research

    4. Attendance at specific UON research methods development session(s) followed by dissemination of learning to colleagues

    • Focusing on research
    • Delivering excellent student or customer experience

    We want to empower researchers to explore their strengths and areas for future development. There is more detailed information for managers of researchers, to which you can also signpost your manager, to help you underpin discussions about moving to a teaching and research contract. Some topics for discussion might include:

    • What information do you need to make a decision about moving to a teaching and research contract? (Identify what you need to know, or anything that is not clear)
    • What guidance and support is available from other colleagues on teaching and research contracts in your team or faculty?
    • What mentoring and support would help you to fulfil the requirements of the teaching and research contract?
    • What would need to change to enable you to meet requirements of the teaching and research contract? How can you, alongside your manager, enable this to happen?
    • How can your research interests make a positive difference within your team (for example via research-informed teaching, research methods delivery or pedagogical developments)?

    If you or your manager would like support with these discussions, please contact your research lead, or the lead of a relevant research centre. The following section also provides some examples of good practice in this area.

  • In this section we have provided some examples of development activities [staff login required for staff intranet], top tips and good practice. UON colleagues have found these activities helpful, and we hope they will be useful to you at this stage. We will continue to update this section with examples and activities. Please share any feedback, or other examples you have found useful on this researcher development feedback form. These fall under four categories, and you can ‘pick and mix’ according to your needs and development objectives:

    • Information, policies and guidance for researchers at UON;
    • Existing resources via recorded sessions, including LinkedIn Learning and SAGE research methods;
    • Forthcoming development sessions hosted by the University of Northampton;
    • Case studies of support, mentoring and protecting research time for you to develop your own ideas of the support mechanisms you need.

  • Faculty research leads:

    Postgraduate research leads (speak to the PGR Leads about getting involved in research degree supervision if you haven’t already):

    Research Institutes and Centres | University of Northampton

  • Make sure that you read the current guidance on UON contracts, and the latest information for T&R applicants, carefully. Seek advice from your team, line manager and other UON colleagues about whether the T&R contract is right for you now, or work out a realistic plan to work towards it in future. As a part of the application for a T&R contract, you will need to demonstrate clear forward planning including a research publication/output plan. It is important that are realistic about what is feasible. Think about which research outputs to prioritise, and make sure you have a clear plan in place to check and enhance the quality of your outputs.

    If you decide that the time is right for you to move to a T&R contract, the following section gives information to support colleagues to meet the requirements of the contract.