Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme

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The Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme offers financial and tailored support to researchers/research-related staff who are coming to the end of their contract and expect a gap before starting a new contract at Lancaster. By providing a period of financial security and allowing an opportunity for professional and career development, it helps to address the challenges faced by researchers on time-limited contracts. For Lancaster, the scheme supports the retention of talented researchers, a focus of our Research Excellence Culture Action Plan.

The scheme is funded through the Enhancing Research Culture fund. The fund is limited and if you are wanting to make an application you are advised in the first instance, to email: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk

Further information

There is a recording of the Briefing session held on Thursday, 20 November 25.

Application Form

Researcher Career Development (Bridging) Scheme Application Form

Case studies of previous successful applicants are available


Tab Content: Eligibility Criteria and Terms

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

  • have been employed at Lancaster University for at least 18 months when your current contract comes to an end;
  • be employed at Lancaster up to the application submission;
  • have an indefinite with end date (indefinite contingent) or fixed term contract, which will be coming to an end on the 31 July 2027 or earlier;
  • be based in the UK for the duration of the scheme;
  • have as a minimum an application for an externally funded research project (or equivalent external income source) submitted or in progress on which you will be the/a researcher employed at Lancaster.

Terms

  • The funding will be offered on the same spinal point as on application.
  • The funding will typically be offered for a period of up to 3 months.
  • The scheme will offer the equivalent full time equivalent (FTE) as on application, which could be across one or more contracts.
  • You must declare other employment, so that the scheme and any other employment does not exceed the equivalent of 1.0 FTE.
  • You are expected to make a positive contribution to research culture at Lancaster during the funded period.
  • You must have an identified mentor for the period of the scheme, ideally someone other than your PI/project lead.

Tab Content: When to apply

You can make an applications at any time, providing it meets the eligibility criteria, through completing the application form.

The number of application usually exceeds the funding available. Applications are typically reviewed and ranked made by a panel to ensure transparency and equitable practice. However, if a panel is not scheduled decisions can sometimes be made by action of the panel chair. This is particularly the case If a research grant award has already been made, and the start date known.

If your application cannot be funded initially you are encouraged to provide updates to the research culture team: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk in cases where there are a change in circumstance that could affect the ranking of your application e.g. if your grant application is successful.

There are no panels currently scheduled. Any enquiries about briding funding should, in the first instance, be made to: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk.

Tab Content: Applicant information

Application Process

You will be asked to provide the following information on the application form which will be used to rank applications:

  • Evidence of future employment at Lancaster - to include information about research grant applications and/or other external income sources.
  • Intended activities over the period of the scheme including your researcher training, skills and career development plans, the development of research funding applications and the contributions you will make to enhancing research culture at the Lancaster campus during the bridging period (e.g. within research group, team, department or institutionally) (max 500 words). The Researcher Development webpage has current development opportunities.
  • An identified mentor, who will support you during the bridging period. Ideally this will be someone who can provide additional support, other than your PI/project lead. Mentoring Guidance.
  • A Statement of support from your current PI/Project Lead/Line Manager – no more than 300 words corroborating the value of the funding applications detailed and the research teams track record with the funder, as relevant, and corroborating your performance. The statement should be submitted to: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk with the title 'RBS Application<Applicants name>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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