The York Assistant Research Supervisor Scheme (YARSS) is a new initiative designed to formally recognise the vital contributions made by Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and technicians to the postgraduate research (PGR) doctoral experience. Based on a scheme introduced at Imperial College London, the Assistant Supervisor Scheme ensures that your expertise is appropriately validated and integrated into the official supervisory team.
York Assistant Research Supervisor Scheme (YARSS)
Why Join the Scheme?
- Formal recognition and Career Progression: Gain formal recognition for your contribution to a PGR supervisory team and use this to support fellowship, grant, and job applications.
- Professional Development: Participation counts toward your professional development and the University’s commitment to supporting 10 days of annual professional development as signatories of the the Research Development Concordat
- Skill development: Enhance and share practice around research supervision with colleagues through facilitated workshops, peer observation and reflective practice.
- Collaborative Culture: Demonstrate your contribution to York’s creative, collaborative research culture.
- Fair Attribution: be recognised for the role you play in supporting the PGR or colleagues to develop research outputs.
The Process: How to Apply
- Application: Submit the application form by 17 April. This requires confirmation that you have discussed participation with your line manager or the main supervisor and covers all aspects of the programme 2-4.
- Training: Complete the online Being an Effective Research Supervisor Tutorial (BERST) and attend the ‘Supervision 101’ workshop.
- Peer Observation: Peer Observation: Participate in a peer observation of research supervision. This can be achieved as part of the RVSP Peer Observation of Research Supervision Pilot. There are questions about this in the application form. There is also an opportunity to participate in a workshop designed to support the peer observation process. This is strongly encouraged.
- Verification: Submit evidence to your PI or line manager for final HR registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the York Assistant Research Supervisor Scheme (YARSS)?
YARSS is designed to formally recognise the contributions of ECRs and technicians who support and provide "informal" supervision to PGRs.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is aimed at ECRs and technicians who are already supporting an individual PGR on an ongoing basis with research processes, skill development, and disciplinary enculturation, as part of a wider supervisory team. It is expected due to the nature of the role and responsibilities that Assistant Supervisors will typically be employed at G6 or above.
What are my typical duties as an Assistant Research Supervisor?
- Be welcoming to the PGR as part of the team. It is recommended that the main supervisor makes an early introduction between the PGR and the Assistant. Research Supervisor so they are recognised as part of the supervisory team.
- Provide mentorship to PGRs around the research process, skills and professional development as appropriate to their experience and expertise.
- Provide guidance on how to use equipment or refer PGRs to a specialist, where appropriate.
- Provide PGRs with informal feedback on their written work and/or presentations (in consultation and with the agreement of other supervisors).
- Participate in TAP meetings to gain a wider understanding of the process around progress and formal reporting. It is expected that the main supervisor should identify if it is appropriate for the Assistant Research Supervisor to provide advice and expertise into the TAP process.
- Signpost PGRs to support and advice and researcher development and to the support and resources available around responsible research, academic progression, all available on the YGRS webpages.
- Encourage PGRs to share their research widely within the University and through public engagement activities such as 3MT.
- Encourage PGRs to think about their career progression and to access the University’s PGR careers support.
- Engage with regular professional development provided in departments, through the York Researcher Development Programme and externally.
As part of York’s Guidance on Fair Attribution, be recognised for the role they play in supporting the PGR or colleagues to develop research outputs.
Does this change the role of the Main Supervisor?
No. The Main Supervisor retains overall responsibility for the PGR’s welfare and the project's direction. They lead the supervisory team and define specific roles.
How is my new status recorded?
Once signed off by your PI/Line Manager, HR will update your staff profile with a specific "tag" to record this role.
Can I use this title on my CV?
Yes. A primary goal of the scheme is to provide you with a formal title to evidence your mentoring and feedback skills.
What if I cannot attend the live 'Supervision 101' workshop?
For the pilot phase, the workshop (14 May 2026) will be recorded for those with conflicting schedules. Once applications are received it may also be possible to schedule a repeat session around availability.
Am I expected to update my skills?
As new PGR supervisor, Assistant Supervisors will be expected to take part in a supervisor workshop or form of professional development every year until they have successfully seen a candidate through to completion and are strongly encouraged to take part in community of practice interventions such as Peer Mentoring Circles, York Research Supervisor Recognition Programme. This is outlined in the Professional Development FAQs supervisors’ along with the University’s mandatory training
Where do I find out what professional development opportunities are available for supervisors?
The York PGR Supervisor Programme details all the professional development opportunities available to you. Please also refer to the ‘Being an Effective Research Supervisor Toolkit’ resources.