Finding the difference for researchers
“... for an example of good practice you might expect me to choose Sheffield, where I was VC for 10 years, or Oxford, where I'm Master of Wolfson College - but instead I shall cite Bristol...”
Professional support, career development, involvement and information - this is what we're looking to give to all our researchers. With many now on open-ended contracts and having ranked as the UK's best employer of researchers*, we're making real headway in this area.
* A 2005 survey of 3,500 researchers worldwide by The Scientist rated Bristol as the 5th best research institution to work at outside of the US and the best in the UK. In 2006 the University has also been short-listed for the Times Higher Awards and highly commended in the UPA HR Excellence Awards in Higher Education for the work it has done to support the careers of researchers.
These impressive results bear testimony to the practical steps we've taken - and continue to take - to make sure our researchers work in the best possible environment. The University has an active and progressive programme of initiatives to support our researchers and we are committed to continuing this in the long term.
We have been at the forefront of reducing the number of people employed on fixed term contracts - over 50% of our research staff now have a permanent, open-ended contract. Our dedicated research staff web site outlines the wide variety of benefits and support mechanisms available to researchers. Whether its taking advantage of 1:1 support from our full-time Research Staff Career & Development Manager, working towards our fully accredited Higher Education Teaching qualification or participating in any of our many tailored training and development events co-ordinated by our Research Staff Development Manager, we are confident that you will find a supportive and exciting work environment at Bristol.
If you're looking to join us from outside the UK, we have an International Staff Adviser who can help with practical support to orientate you to life and work in Britain.
And finally, you don't need to take our word for it. Bristol has pioneered an innovative annual on-line survey of research staff views (now widely used by most research-intensive universities in the UK) that both evaluates the success of our initiatives to support researchers and helps to identify future priorities for action. The responses from our staff consistently show that the University of Bristol is seen as a supportive and rewarding place to work.
