The career stage after gaining a doctorate is typically exciting and challenging. Opportunities to develop research expertise and core employability skills are available in cutting-edge institutions across the world, yet almost all are one to three-year positions funded by research grants and without an obvious next step. In Oxford very few (approximately 40) permanent academic roles are available each year in relation to the large number (over 4,000) of fixed-term researchers. Coping with financial instability and mobility between communities alongside career uncertainty is often stressful and demanding on researchers and their families.
While researchers have responsibility for their own career development, the University is stepping up its offer of excellent support to researchers progressing their careers within and beyond academia. There will be more opportunities to witness and investigate fulfilling roles for researchers in a range of sectors making critical contributions to knowledge and to society.
In parallel, the University will review contract types to ensure greater clarity and fairness. Work with funders and peer universities will focus on establishing recognised roles, for example staff scientists, with related progression pathways, thereby benefitting individual researchers and retaining talent in research.
