Research Staff and Early Career Researchers

ECR definition 

There is no single UK-wide definition of an Early Career Researcher (ECR). At BSMS, we use a practical definition focused on career stage and support needs. 

At BSMS, Early Career Researchers are members of staff employed on a research-focused contract (fixed term or open-ended) who are in the early stages of building research independence and a track record of leading or co-leading research. This typically includes Research Assistants, Research Associates, Postdoctoral Research Associates, and Research Fellows, and may also include early-stage academic staff whose roles involve a substantial research component. 

Doctoral researchers (for example, PhD candidates) are usually supported through doctoral training routes. Some BSMS development activities may be open to both staff and doctoral researchers where appropriate. 

“Early career” is not defined only by job title or years since PhD, and we recognise non-linear career paths. Where a time-based definition is needed for eligibility to specific opportunities, BSMS will typically use an indicative window consistent with common UK funder approaches, for example, within 8 years of PhD award or equivalent professional training, or within 6 years of first academic appointment, with adjustments for career breaks and part-time working. 

We aim to support ECRs through training, representation, career development and access to relevant opportunities, and we welcome contact from any research staff member who would benefit from this support.

Further definitions of ECR from the perspective of the REF and UKRI are as follows:

REF definition:

For the purposes of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an individual is deemed to have started their research career from the point at which they held a contract of employment of 0.2 FTE or greater, which included a primary employment function of undertaking ‘research’ or ‘teaching and research’, with any higher education institution or other organisation, whether in the UK or overseas, and they undertook independent research, leading or acting as principal investigator (or equivalent) on a research grant or a significant piece of research work. REF ECR eligibility is defined in relation to the relevant REF census period and the specific REF guidance for the exercise.

Source: www.ref.ac.uk

UKRI definition:

When we provide information to support the development of early-career researchers, we are addressing anyone who identifies as an ECR. For the purpose of grants eligibility for most of our schemes, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) defines an ECR as someone who is either: within eight years of their PhD award (this is from the time of the PhD ‘viva’ oral test), or equivalent professional training within six years of their first academic appointment (the first full or part time paid employment contract that lists research or teaching as the primary function). These periods exclude any career breaks, such as those due to family care, health reasons, or COVID-19-related factors, including home schooling or increased teaching load. 

Source: www.ukri.org

See some of the specalties and methodological expertise of the ECRs at BSMS in the images below.

Wellbeing, support and raising concerns

Your wellbeing matters. If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or under sustained pressure, you are encouraged to seek support early. Confidential support is available through University Wellbeing Services, Occupational Health, and the Employee Assistance Programme. You may also wish to speak with a trusted colleague or your BSMS ECR Lead (at d.cadar@bsms.ac.uk) for advice and signposting. 

If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour, including difficulties in working relationships with line managers or PIs, BSMS has clear policies and reporting routes.

Please see the BSMS Bullying and Harassment guidance here >

Early career development conference fund

A conference fund is available to BSMS Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to facilitate their attendance at conferences or training courses. Funding for each financial year is limited to a maximum of £500 per ECR. All applications must be approved by the ECR's line manager.

Note that this funding might not be enough to cover the full cost of the conference/course therefore the ECR will need to find funding from another source (e.g. from scholarships available directly from the conference, from learned societies (such as the Biochemical Society) or the University of Brighton Conference Support Fund) in addition to the BSMS funding. 

For further details on the conference fund and advice about applying please contact ECR lead Dr Elizabeth Ford here.

Applications will be assessed and funds awarded four times a year (1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December). 

To apply, please download the form below and email it, along with your supporting information, to Prof. Dorina Cadar at d.cadar@bsms.ac.uk.

Download the form here >

Research staff office

The University of Sussex provides university-wide support for research staff through its Researcher Development provision (Sussex Researcher School), including guidance, training and practical resources for researchers and their managers. For Principal Investigators and research staff managers, the “Managing Researchers” guidance includes a leaflet on welcoming and managing researchers to support effective induction and ongoing support.

The University of Sussex is a signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, reflecting a commitment to a supportive research environment with access to professional development opportunities.

See further details about training and development, one-to-one support and career planning here >