Research

The Research family sits within the Technical Professionals' practice area. An example career pathway could take you from Trainee Technician to Specialist Technician or Technical Operations Manager,

What is Research?

Technicians, specialist engineers, research professionals and staff scientists, and technologists  make critical intellectual contributions to research through the provision of core technical excellence, and in maintaining and developing new technologies, research instruments and methodologies.

Technology Professionals can play a pivotal role in the development of technical skills that students and researchers need, being responsible for running, maintaining, and supporting research and innovation facilities and its resources. Many technicians are also researchers in their own right.

UCL’s research strategy also establishes that “advancement and profile within UCL does not depend overly on easy metrics such as grant income or citation numbers that might penalise those who are advancing fields not yet fully appreciated by the wider research community, but instead suitably recognises and rewards creative and distinctive intellectual achievement”. UCL strongly emphasises quality over quantity in research outputs.  

Technical staff that contribute to research outcomes, are recognised by their contribution by means of fair attribution in the publications generated at a range of different levels depending on the level and relevance of the contribution going from acknowledgement of the use of facilities up to authorship when a significant contribution is made. 
We encourage all researchers – and professional staff supporting the research endeavour – to view their work as part of a collective effort to help UCL make the most of its potential as a force for public good.  

Technical Professionals within the research job family are expected to promote and encourage sustainable and professional practices in their fields, through appropriate professional bodies and activities. For example, laboratory workshop environment in relation to the University goals and Laboratory Efficient Assessment Framework (LEAF), and EDI activities.  

Role Profiles 

• Developing/Skilled - grade 4
• Developing/Skilled - grade 5
• Developing/Skilled - grade 6
• Independent - grade 7
• Advanced - grade 8 (Specialist Pathway)
• Advanced - grade 8 (Management Pathway)
• Senior - grade 9 (Specialist Pathway)
• Senior - grade 9 (Management Pathway)

Case Studies