Research and knowledge exchange

New Research Staff

This page provides information to help you in your first few days and weeks as you begin your role at Sussex.

We warmly welcome you into the researcher community here at Sussex and look forward to seeing you at future research staff events. We particularly hope you will be able to join the Research Staff Office-hosted "welcome lunch" which you will be invited to within your first term as parrt of your wider community induction process.

Welcome Guide for New Researchers

University of Sussex Research Staff Welcome Guide

The Research Staff Office are very pleased to bring you a 28 page interactive Welcome Guide* for new Research Staff joining the University. 

Alongside general information about the University, the Welcome Booklet includes information about:

  • The Research Staff Office and other support services around the university
  • Support for your career development
  • Support for your research
  • Practical guides on factors such as policies, employment queries, term dates, insurance
  • Information on living in Brighton and relocating from overseas

The booklet also contains a helpful induction check list for new Research Staff to complete in their first few days and in their new role.

*Please note the Welcome Guide is not fully up to date. It still holds useful information for new staff but please check the University's webpages for links to HR etc. We appriciate your patience as we transfer the guide information into an accessible format.  

  

Checklist for New Researchers

Before you arrive...   (Logistics)
  • Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions of Employment
  • If you are coming from abroad arrange any necessary visas and work permits 
  • Sign and return your “Staff Record Form” to HR
  • Register any children with local childcare/schools
  • Ensure you have the appropriate documents required for opening UK bank account (if coming from abroad) and for renting property.
    • For banks you will need proof of your UK address and proof of income (e.g. last 3 months bank statements, previous payslips and University appointment letter)

    • For renting you will need proof of income and guarantor information

    • Check with banks and letting agents as to the specifics of the documentation you will need to provide

  • Arrange accommodation
  • Familiarise yourself with the Research Staff Office's webpages, a hub of information and resources available for Sussex Researchers

*Please note the Welcome Guide is not fully up to date. It still holds useful information for new staff but please check the University's webpages for links to HR etc. We appriciate your patience as we transfer the guide information into an accessible format.  

On your first day at Sussex...   (Essentials)
  • Familiarise yourself with the Campus Map!
  • Take your paperwork to Human Resources (room 338, Sussex House). You will need:
    • Staff Record Form (if not returned in advance)
    • P45 or P46 (if you do not have a P45)
    • Completed Immigration, Asylum and Nationality form
    • Passport and/or other forms of identification as specified in your appointment information.
  • Obtain your ITS username and password from IT Services in Shawcross building.
  • Login to Sussex Direct to check your personal information and order a car parking permit if required.
  • Visit the Print Unit in York building to obtain your University Card.
  • Meet your supervisor and research group colleagues
In your first weeks...   (Local induction)

 

In your first few months...   (Wider induction and community)
  • You will be invited to a University induction from Organisational Development for all new members of staff.
  • You will be invited to an ECR Welcome Lunch, hosted by the Research Staff Office. This event will give you an opportunity to:
    • Meet other researchers that have also recently started at Sussex
    • Find out about the range of support on offer to early career researchers across the university
    • Find out about opportunities to get involved in the wider university community
    • Ask any questions you may have relating to your role or working at Sussex in general
    • Enjoy a free lunch!


Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your role as a ECR, the Research Staff Office are here to help. Please contact us at any time with your questions or to book an appointment. Discussions with the Research Staff Office are treated in confidence.

Don't forget to arrange a start of contract discussion with your PI/manager
 

It is a University expectation that as part of their induction process, new members of research faculty should meet with their principal investigator/supervisor within the first month of the research contract to discuss and agree some initial research and career development objectives. To support you in planning your professional development you should refer to the Research Staff Professional Development Guidance [PDF 1.65MB]

This process will help you to establish yourself quickly in your new role and to identify any training/development requirements to support you in your current role and future career aspirations.
See the 
Guidance and templates to support your start of contract objective setting and career development discussion to help you in this process.

 

Resources for Research Staff 

Welcome Lunch

Come along to our next Welcome Lunch to meet other new researchers to Sussex, find out about the range of support and opportunities on offer and ask any questions.

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions by research staff along with links to further information.

Practical Support

Find information and links to a range of practical support and resources.

 

New Strategic Framework, Sussex 2025Strategic Framework 2025 


The University of Sussex launched its new Strategic Framework, Sussex 2025.

The framework is a seven-year transformation - an expression of what we stand for and how we will continue to build on our success whilst reinventing ourselves for the future. It sets out our vision for the kind of university we want to be and shares the values that we hold dear.

 

Contact Us

E: researchstaffoffice@sussex.ac.uk

T: 01273 877979

Research Staff Office, Research and Enterprise Services, Level 1, Falmer House, University of Sussex, BN1 9QF

  Twitter @SussexResearchr