A range of skills and experience may be developed during research employment which are valued in other contexts. Researchers and their supervisors are encouraged actively to seek out opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience, such as becoming involved in aspects of research management (e.g. budget and project management), teaching, publication and conference attendance, outreach activities, membership of committees and other community service, the preparation of research proposals, suggesting new research possibilities and sources of funding, and attending relevant courses.

In planning and managing their careers, researchers and their supervisors are encouraged to make use of guidance and materials provided by their Departments. The range of career support and personal development opportunities that are available to researchers should be highlighted during the early stage of a researcher's appointment. Researchers and their supervisors should also refer to support available from the Careers Service, and its team of Careers Advisers for Research Staff, and from the Centre for Personal and Professional Development, including training and development opportunities targeted specifically at researchers.

Researchers are encouraged to register with the Careers Service as soon as possible, in order to educate themselves about the range of career paths open to research staff, within higher education and in the private and public sector. Personalised assistance, taking into account researchers' own circumstances and aspirations, is available from the Careers Advisers for Research Staff. The Careers Service can also advise on effective CVs, application and interview techniques, as well as on career management and transition skills for those wishing to pursue alternative employment outside of the University.

Researchers with ambitions for an academic post should be aware of the importance of gaining experience of undergraduate teaching and research student supervision, where it is practicable for them to do so, and where doing so:

  • is consistent with the conditions of the funding body;
  • provides student teaching of the required standard in accordance with the department's quality assurance requirements; and

has been approved by the person to whom the researcher is formally responsible for the performance of his or her research duties or, where appropriate, by the head of department.