| No.2 March 2000 first page CONTENTS The Contract Research Experience Opportunities for progression and training |
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THE CONTRACT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE The majority of researchers interviewed were engaged in work with a high degree of autonomy, although most were also working under the direction of a supervisor (generally a senior member of the department). Some researchers had meetings with their supervisor on a regular basis, but in most cases, the degree of active ‘supervision’ was nominal. The majority of researchers were involved in writing research proposals, even though they frequently could not be named as principal investigator, because of funding regulations. Many of the interviewees had been on several fixed-term contracts. Some had undergone a series of contract renewals whereas others had moved from one fixed-term research job to another. There were several cases where respondents had been employed on a prolonged series of 1-3 month contracts: one researcher had been working in his department for nine years and had had over 20 contracts during that period. The majority felt confident that they had access to the best facilities and technology on offer. Some felt that they were working at the forefront of their field in terms of advancing subject knowledge, new techniques, and new technologies: indeed, this was a key attraction of working in academic research. A large proportion of researchers found their work interesting, although a minority stated that they were doing routine work which did not use their skills or experience. While a few expressed overall dissatisfaction with their position, for the majority, working in academic research was enjoyable and intellectually rewarding, and it was the uncertainty of being on a fixed-term contract which presented a barrier to full enjoyment of the job. |
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