Researcher Development Framework

For many years the Department of Biology has offered a range of careers and employability skills courses to its PhD students.  It also employs a Training and Careers Officer to work specifically with Biology students.   The Department requires that over the course of your PhD, you get involved with a range of events (largely of your own choosing) and demonstrate that you have developed your employability skills.   You do this by completing a portfolio of Domain Summaries 3-6 months before you submit your thesis.

What do all these different phrases mean?

Researcher Development Framework - a list of skills and competencies that researchers need to develop at different stages of their career.  It is divided into four main domains.  Download by clicking Researcher Development Framework diagram on the right hand side of this page. 

Domains - there are four domains to the Researcher Development Framework:

  • A - knowlege and intellectual abilities
  • B - Personal effectiveness
  • C - Research governance and organisation
  • D - Engagement, influence and impact

Portfolio - the document that you are required to submit 3 months before you submit your thesis.  It consists of four Domain Summaries and a printed transcript from Skills Forge. Submit your portfolio to the graduate office.

Domain Summaries - a summary document written by you that outlines what you have done in each of the Domains above.  This will include a list of courses and other events (such as outreach events and conferences) and reflections on what you have learnt.

 

Grad Seeds

Within the RDF scheme are a number of  larger programmes and courses that are tailored towards various career areas - these are called Grad Seeds. You should select one from:

 

  • Vitae Grad School
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Science writing
  • Community and volunteering
  • Public engagement with science
  • Researchers in residence

Find out more about Grad Seeds.

What are RDF Reflection forms?

A Blank_RDF_reflection_form (MS Word , 12kb) lets you tell us about things you've done that will contribute to your Portfolio.

  • voluntary activities you've done outside of the university
  • University activities that weren't transferable skills courses but nevertheless helped you to develop one or more of the skills in the Researcher Development Framework

If you'd like some tips on exactly what we're looking for, take a look at Tips for filling in a RDF Reflection Form (MS Word , 12kb)

When you have completed your form, return it to Hilary or Betsy. They will then take a look at them and decide whether you have convinced them that:

  • the activity was an appropriate way of developing the skill
  • The activity enabled you to practise/develop this skill significantly
  • you have reflected at length and drawn a learning point that specifically relates to the skill you're talking about

If your points are not awarded, you will be told why, and invited to resubmit.

Why are there different rules for different PhD years?

Prior to October 2011, PhD students were required to collect 180 training points.  This system has been changed, and instead PhD students are required to write a short portfolio about the skills that they have worked on, under the four headings of the Researcher Development Framework.