As a result of a FAST group, Chaired by Professor Mike Ward , the recommendation for a new FA6 Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Fellow role profile is available for recruitment.Link opens in a new window
Due to changing student demands the University are investigating additional options to allow ECRs (at PhD and post-doctoral level) to contribute to teaching whilst also maintaining research effort.
Points that have been considered are:
How best to support departments with sharply increased teaching loads during the current financial challenges in a way which does not dilute research metrics;
How to provide a career-development opportunity for post-doctoral level ECRs which also meets the University鈥檚 needs for high-volume teaching provision whilst maintaining research performance.
The role is available as an additional option for departments and does not replace any other academic roles.
This post is a three-year fixed term development opportunity which gives post-PhD ECRs the opportunity to undertake both post-doctoral level research and a significant amount of teaching in a way that is not possible with either Teaching Fellows or postdoc Research Fellows.
The probation period matches that of a Teaching Fellow and Research Fellow and is for a 6-month period. Please find more information on probation hereLink opens in a new window.
During the period of the contract all employees within this role will be allocated both a line manager and a mentor who will be responsible for introducing employees to the promotion criteria and providing development guidance ensuring that postholders will be equipped to make applications for any Assistant Professor (FA7) posts that are available at the end of their contract.
Should someone be successful in an application for a T&R Assistant Professor (FA7) post the nominal 5-year probation period will still apply. In line with the current guidance, relevant accomplishments during the period as an FA6 T&R fellow (such as completion of APPTE, or research outputs) may result in a reduction in the 5-year FA7 probation period. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The support provided by line managers, and the development opportunities within the role, will place individuals in a strong position to apply for more senior positions, internally or externally, at the end of their contract however applications for academic promotion are not possible for postholder in this role.
To align with all FA6 academic posts this role is not eligible to apply for study leave.
Please speak to your line manager and/or mentor in the first instance. All change of pathway requests will require a business case to be submitted with the application which includes financial approval for the role. Once received the application will follow the normal process for any change of track request.
Four months prior to the end of the contract a consultation period will begin, and support provided to find a suitable role in line with the fixed term contract guidelines. The redeployment policy will apply as per the guidelines, however due to the developmental nature of this role, a second contract as an FA6 Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Fellow role will not be available as an option for redeployment for someone who has already completed one 3-year period in this role.
