Progression from one grade to another is not automatic and requires the positive recommendation from the Head of Department or his/her designated representative.
Funding applications may include budgetary provision for promotion during the period of the project. If this is the case, Heads of Department may recommend promotion to a higher research grade.
Research Assistants who gain their PhD during the course of employment will normally be recommended for promotion to Research Associate, if this promotion is appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the post, and provided the necessary funding is available.
Promotion to Senior Research Associate requires both the positive recommendation from the Head of Department or his/her designated representative and also the approval of the relevant Faculty Board (or equivalent body).
In the case of promotion to grades higher than Senior Research Associate, the process for senior unestablished academic appointments should be used.