Research only academic staff positions are defined by the following titles:
- Principal Research Fellow
- Senior Research Fellow
- Research Fellow
- Research Officer
- Senior Research Officer
- Post-Doctorate Fellow
- Senior Research Associate
- Research Associate
The Position Classification Standards for the classification of research only academic staff positions are set out below.
Position Classification standards for research-only academic positions (levels A to E) are generic statements used to describe the broad categories of responsibilities which may be required of staff at each level. The research-only Position Classification Standards provide the basis to differentiate between the various classifications and define the broad relationships between classifications.
The levels are differentiated by level of complexity, degree of autonomy, leadership requirements of the position and level of achievement of the research academic. The responsibilities of research-only staff may vary according to the specific requirements of the institution to meet its objectives, to different discipline requirements and/or to individual staff development.
A research academic appointed to a particular level may be assigned and may be expected to undertake, responsibilities and functions of any level up to and including the level to which the academic is appointed or promoted. In addition, a research academic may choose to undertake elements of the work of a higher level without receiving additional remuneration in order to gain experience and expertise consistent with the requirements of an institution’s promotion processes. If a research academic chooses to undertake such work it shall be by prior agreement between the staff and their supervisor.
The skill base outlined for each level is a generic statement of the qualification and experience which can be expected of a person holding a position at a given level. The skill base is stated as a combination of formal qualifications and/or experience according to the relevant discipline area.
Examples of the specific duties are provided. The lists of duties are illustrative and not a set of mandatory requirements to be placed upon someone holding a position at a given level. There are a number of distinctive duties between the levels and these are especially pertinent in establishing where a position and its incumbent should be classified.
The duties and responsibilities of research only academic staff will be consistent with the appropriate research Position Classification Standard.
LEVEL A (Research Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate)
A Level A research academic will typically conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team and will normally hold a relevant higher degree.
A Level A research academic will normally work under the supervision of academic staff at Level B or above, with an increasing degree of autonomy as the research academic gains skills and experience. A Level A research academic may undertake limited teaching, will normally supervise student research projects, normally seek external research grant funding and may publish results of the research conducted as sole author or in collaboration or otherwise engage in knowledge transfer activities appropriate to the relevant discipline. He or she will undertake administration primarily relating to his or her activities at the institution.
Skill base
A Level A research academic will normally hold a relevant higher degree in the relevant discipline and/or have equivalent qualifications and/or professional experience. In determining experience relative to qualifications, regard is had to experience in research, experience outside tertiary education, creative achievement, professional contributions and/or contributions to technical achievement.
Specific Duties
- In addition to the above, specific duties required of a Level A research academic may include:
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars
- Development of a limited amount of research related material for teaching purposes
- Experimental design and operation of advanced laboratory and technical equipment or conduct of advanced research procedures
- Advice within the field to postgraduate students
- Attendance at meetings and membership of relevant committees.
LEVEL B (Research Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellow, Senior Research Associate, Research Associate)
A Level B research academic will normally have experience in externally funded research or scholarly activities, which have resulted in publications in refereed journals or other demonstrated scholarly activities, including knowledge transfer activities appropriate to the relevant discipline.
A Level B research academic will carry out independent and/or team research. A Level B academic may supervise Honours and postgraduate research students or projects and be involved in research training.
Skill base
A Level B research academic shall have qualifications and/or experience recognised by the University as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. In most cases a position at this level will require a doctoral or masters qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing. In determining experience relative to qualifications, regard is had to experience in research, experience outside tertiary education, creative achievement, professional contributions and/or to technical achievement.
Specific Duties
In addition to the above, specific duties required of a Level B research academic may include:
- Supervision of support research staff
- Contribution to the preparation or individual preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars
- Administrative functions connected with the research
- Occasional contributions to the teaching program within the field of the staff member’s research
- Attendance at meetings and membership of relevant committees.
LEVEL C (Senior Research Fellow, Senior Research Associate)
A Level C research academic will make independent and original contributions to research which have a significant impact on his or her field of expertise.
The work of the research academic will be acknowledged at a national level as being influential in expanding the knowledge of his or her discipline or relevant professional field. This standing will normally be demonstrated by a strong record of funded research, published work or other demonstrated scholarly activities which may include knowledge transfer activities appropriate to the relevant discipline.
A Level C research academic will provide leadership in research, including research training and supervision.
Skill Base
A Level C research academic will normally have advanced qualifications and/or recognised significant experience in the relevant discipline area. A position at this level will normally require a doctoral qualification or equivalent accreditation or standing. In determining experience relative to qualifications regard shall be had to experience in research, experience outside tertiary education, creative achievement, professional contributions and/or technical achievement. In addition a position at this level will normally require a record of demonstrable scholarly and professional achievement in the relevant discipline area.
Specific Duties
In addition to the above, specific duties required of a Level C research academic may include:
- Involvement in the promotion of research links with outside bodies
- Responsibility for the oversight of financial management of grants
- Supervision of major honours or postgraduate research projects
- Preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars
- Administrative functions connected with the research
- Occasional contributions to the teaching program within the field of the staff member’s research
- Attendance at meetings and a major role in planning and committee work.
LEVEL D (Principal Research Fellow)
A Level D research academic will make major original and innovative contributions to his or her field of study, research or professional practice which are recognised as outstanding nationally or internationally.
A Level D research academic will play an outstanding role within his or her institution, discipline and/or profession in fostering the research activities of others and in research training.
Skill base
A Level D research academic will normally have advanced qualifications and/or recognised significant experience in the relevant discipline area. A position at this level will normally require a doctoral qualification or equivalent accreditation or standing. In determining experience relative to qualifications regard shall be had to experience and success in research, experience outside tertiary education, creative achievement, professional contributions and/or to technical achievement. In addition a position at this level will normally require a record of demonstrable scholarly and professional achievement in the relevant discipline area, including significant external funding.
There is also a requirement for academic excellence which may be evidenced by an outstanding contribution to research and/or the profession, and which may include knowledge transfer activities appropriate to the relevant discipline.
Specific Duties
In addition to the above, specific duties required of a Level D research academic may include:
- A major role in all aspects of research including project leadership and management
- Responsibility for the oversight of financial management of grants
- Supervision of major honours or postgraduate research projects
- Promotion of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars
- Occasional contributions to the teaching program within the field of the staff member’s research
- Attendance at meetings and a major role in planning and committee work.
LEVEL E (Principal Research Fellow)
A Level E research academic will typically have achieved international recognition through original, innovative and distinguished contributions to his or her field of research which is demonstrated by sustained and distinguished performance.
A Level E research academic will provide leadership in his or her field of research within his or her institution, discipline and/or profession and within the scholarly and/or general community. He or she will foster excellence in research, research policy and research training.
Skill base
A Level E research academic shall have the same skill base as a Level D research academic but will be recognised as a leading authority in the relevant discipline area.
Specific Duties
In addition to the above, specific duties required of a Level E research academic may include:
- Management of all aspects of research including project leadership management of research teams, and mentoring of early career researchers.
- Responsibility for the oversight of financial management of grants
- Supervision of major honours or postgraduate research projects
- Responsibility for preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies
- Participation in community and professional activities, including involvement in commercial sector where appropriate
- Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars
- Occasional contributions to the teaching program within the field of the staff member’s research
- Attendance at meetings and a major role in planning and committee work