Vitae is the research council funded organisation that champions the careers of doctoral researchers & research staff.
Vitae's vision is for the UK to be world-class in supporting the professional development of researchers and their careers. It does this by championing the personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes, and by promoting best practice in researcher development. Vitae also provides resources, advice, and information for individual postgraduate researchers and members of research staff who are interested in their professional development and careers.
The Vitae website provides useful information and guidance on many aspects of your career:
- Ups and downs of being research staff
- Developing as a researcher
- Developing your academic career
- Keeping your life in balance
- Rights and responsibilities
- Equality and diversity
- Careers advice
Research Staff pages
The research staff pages of the Researchers' portal provide you with information and guidance for all aspects of your career.
Research Staff blog
Read and contribute to the Research staff blog - dedicated to all aspects of research staff life, including a 'best of the blog' section.
UK Research Staff Association (UKRSA)
The UK Research Staff Association has a home on the Vitae website. Supported by Vitae, the UKRSA continues and extends the work of the National Research Staff Association of the UK. The UKRSA provides a collective voice for research staff by working closely with Vitae to nurture research staff associations and inform policy.
Researcher Development Framework
The Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is a tool to help you identify strengths and prioritise your professional development. It enables you to consider the skills and experiences that will enhance your career prospects and to articulate your knowledge, behaviours and attributes to employers.
Leadership development resources
Through your research training and experience you will already have developed knowledge and attributes desirable in a good leader, such as analytical skills, original thinking, innovation, creativity, effective communication and expertise in your area. Leadership development will help you to realise your potential by making the most of these existing strengths.
Researcher booklets
Vitae have produced a series of booklets that offer practical information about different topics in support of your personal, professional and career development:
- The Balanced Researcher
- The Creative Researcher
- The Engaging Researcher
- The Leading Researcher
- The Informed Researcher
- The Career-wise Researcher
- ... and more titles are in the pipeline.