Recognition and challenges in Technical Staff career pathways

The Software Sustainability Institute (www.software.ac.uk) is an EPSRC, AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, NERC, MRC and STFC funded national facility that cultivates world-class research with software.We help people build better software, and we work with researchers, developers, funders and infrastructure providers to identify key issues and best practice in research software.

The Software Sustainability Institute

SSI is delighted to host the panel discussion: "Recognition and challenges in Technical Staff career pathways"

RSC: Digital Skills for Research Technical Staff

Over the course of these two weeks, we will delve into the role of technical staff at UK universities, career pathways, and recognition of technical staff contributions to research.

The panel discussion at the Research Software Camp: Skills for Research Technical Staff will explore the current challenges and gaps in training and skills around following specific technical staff career pathways in universities in the UK.Each panellist will speak about their own career pathway, discuss their role, skills needed and what training is currently available (or missing). There will also be a discussion around what is currently being done in terms of better recognising the contributions from technical staff, as well the inclusivity and recognition of technical-related roles in research and science, and the challenges in following a specific career pathway. We will discuss initiatives such as the Technicians Commitment and the Hidden REF, whose part of work focusses onthe recognition of non-academic roles in Universities.Sarah Allen, Technical Careers Pathways Lab Lead, will chair the discussion and the panellists, listed alphabetically, are:<ul><li>Jeremy Cohen, Director of Research Software Engineering Strategy, Imperial College London</li></ul><ul><li>Georgina Fletcher, Project Officer, BioImagingUK</li></ul><ul><li>Ana Luisa Toribio, Governing Body Fellow, Wolfson College, Cambridge</li></ul><ul><li>Sally Morgan, Sally Morgan, Technical Services Manager, School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh</li></ul><a href="https://app.sli.do/event/9fvjZTsB1w5X5sSmvWPh7q" title="https://app.sli.do/event/9fvjZTsB1w5X5sSmvWPh7q" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Submit questions to the panel on Sli.do</a>.This event is open to everyone, but is particularly aimed at technical staff, Research Software Engineers (RSEs), and researchers who are interested in career pathways and recognition. <h3>Who are our speakers?</h3>Jeremy CohenJeremy Cohen is an Advanced Research Fellow in the Department of Computing and Director of Research Software Engineering Strategy at <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308857663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=q9ZBqcGYNBRvLDXLet8ajm81I%2B58sZJoiqcfXnJyEx4%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308857663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=q9ZBqcGYNBRvLDXLet8ajm81I%2B58sZJoiqcfXnJyEx4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Imperial College London</a>. He has a research background in distributed computing and e-Science and a PhD in Computing from Imperial College London. Jeremy has been involved in a wide range of multi-disciplinary applied research computing projects, undertaking software design and development work - work that is now widely known as "Research Software Engineering" (RSE). His career has tracked the development of the <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsociety-rse.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308899259%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=huLzZVQhnVu7T6SVPo3SZ5ePCXpDqVXBG8VzTful7bM%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsociety-rse.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308899259%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=huLzZVQhnVu7T6SVPo3SZ5ePCXpDqVXBG8VzTful7bM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">RSE community</a> since its inception and the coining of the term “Research Software Engineer” back in 2012.In 2015 he started Imperial College London’s local <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2Fcomputational-methods%2Frse%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308919011%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=y5d9nV%2F4lRQJo%2B1e5UJ%2BUO79U5bgqxo652y1cjH79yA%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2Fcomputational-methods%2Frse%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308919011%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=y5d9nV%2F4lRQJo%2B1e5UJ%2BUO79U5bgqxo652y1cjH79yA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Research Software Community</a> which now counts some 350+ Imperial researchers and technical professionals across its various communication channels. In 2018, Jeremy was awarded a 5-year EPSRC Research Software Engineering Fellowship which provided the opportunity to develop a role as an independent researcher, technical professional and RSE leader. The fellowship supported a variety of software and community development work, including setting up the <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frslondon.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308940793%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fcT5anJ9StwG789HKzMhltgrhyPjXBhYts5hlE%2FLjVE%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frslondon.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308940793%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fcT5anJ9StwG789HKzMhltgrhyPjXBhYts5hlE%2FLjVE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Research Software London</a> (RSLondon) regional research software community, developing an enhanced understanding of the structures that support effective research computing provision at academic institutions and advocating for improved career paths and structures for RSEs and other research computing professionals.Jeremy continues to lead both the RSLondon community and the Imperial Research Software Community. In his role as Director of Research Software Engineering Strategy, Jeremy works with the Academic Leadership Team for Imperial’s <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2Fadmin-services%2Fict%2Fself-service%2Fresearch-support%2Frcs%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308962292%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UUlm2BbQFL%2B38FTI8aI6wNIvdQRPm2oeoshBIavlYeE%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imperial.ac.uk%2Fadmin-services%2Fict%2Fself-service%2Fresearch-support%2Frcs%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308962292%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UUlm2BbQFL%2B38FTI8aI6wNIvdQRPm2oeoshBIavlYeE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Research Computing Service</a> to promote the importance of software development best practices as a contributor to research quality across the institution, and to help develop infrastructure and opportunities to support the work of researchers and technical professionals writing code within the institution.Jeremy is currently PI of the EPSRC-funded <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.step-up.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308979586%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=D%2FJDxoPBqGXp%2F%2BgO27cQdGxiAvZz1omaoHQa4SDhjVQ%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.step-up.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308979586%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=D%2FJDxoPBqGXp%2F%2BgO27cQdGxiAvZz1omaoHQa4SDhjVQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">STEP-UP</a> Strategic Technical Platform, a London-based regional platform working to enhance community, training and career options for digital Research Technical Professionals (dRTPs) across the London region and beyond. He is also undertaking a variety of work to better understand training and skills requirements for research computing professionals as a Co-I on the <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universe-hpc.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308995813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c9PYz12BZfmK9O9td6G4rKP5Nd%2F1K05KdDlxp398W0g%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universe-hpc.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C864c2273546d496beb2108dcf9107622%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638659096308995813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c9PYz12BZfmK9O9td6G4rKP5Nd%2F1K05KdDlxp398W0g%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">UNIVERSE-HPC</a> project.Georgina FletcherAs Project Officer for BioImagingUK, I orchestrate initiatives within Britain's premier network of imaging scientists—a vibrant community of 500 members who advance life science through microscopy and imaging technologies. Our dynamic network unites experts who develop, maintain, and utilise cutting-edge imaging solutions across the UK's research landscape.My role is central to delivering our four strategic pillars: advancing national imaging strategy, fostering career development, coordinating specialised training, and nurturing community growth and engagement. Drawing on two decades of hands-on research experience at world-class institutions—including the Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Research UK, EMBL Heidelberg, and King's College London—I bring deep practical understanding to supporting our scientific community.My background as a developmental cell biologist has given me first-hand appreciation for microscopy's transformative role in research. This experience fuels my passion for advocating for the bioimaging field. Now, I channel my expertise into operational leadership, with a particular focus on enhancing scientist job satisfaction—a factor I've found crucial for driving innovation and research excellence.Through BioImagingUK, I'm dedicated to creating an environment where imaging scientists can thrive professionally while advancing the boundaries of biological discovery.Ana Luisa ToribioAna's journey at Wolfson College began in 2005 as a student and has since evolved, encompassing roles as an alumna, College Research Associate, and presently, as a College Tutor and Fellow. Hailing from Uruguay, Ana embarked on her PhD journey at Wolfson after completing the lab work for her master's in biotechnology at the Institute Pasteur in Paris.After her PhD and postdoc at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Ana spent several years at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). Later, she pursued an MBA and joined SiGenex, a startup aiming to make genetic testing accessible to everyone, everywhere. In early 2022, Ana became the Head of the Stratified Medicine Core Laboratory (SMCL NGS Hub) at the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, located in Addenbrooke's Hospital.As a College Tutor, Ana's interests focus on disability, neurodiversity, and multiculturalism in higher education. She actively contributes through workshops and teaching in the Laboratory of Biology of Diseases Part 1B. Ana has also been involved in various college committees and has joined the College Council from October 2023.Ana describes her roles as the "two best jobs in the world" At SMCL, she collaborates with a dedicated team supporting translational genomics. As a College Tutor at Wolfson, she enjoys engaging with students, helping them make the most of their Cambridge experience.Sally MorganSally Morgan is the Technical Services Manager in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh and is responsible for a team of ~40 technical staff. The team provide wide-ranging support to teaching and research activity, including anything from machining bespoke parts, to manufacturing PCBs, to running and maintaining analytical equipment and everything in between – there is no end of talent! Sally has been the chair of the University’s Technician Steering Committee since early 2023 and has led on delivery of the Technician Week initiative and development of the new Action Plan. A geologist by training, Sally has a couple of degrees from the University of Leeds and has spent a good amount of time sampling measuring and generally studying the earth beneath the sea around the world, often from the comfort of a 20’ shipping container. <h3>Who is our chair?</h3>Sarah AllenSarah Allen is the Technical Careers Lead for the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS) which is funded by Research England. She supports the technical community to implement effective career pathways for technicians through project initiatives, knowledge sharing events and technician focused careers education and coaching. Sarah regularly delivers workshops for technicians on topics such as career planning, professional development, selling yourself in applications and recognising your strengths. She is also responsible for project management of the ITSS Career Pathways Lab; a space where career pathways for technicians can be reimagined leading to innovation and change across the sector.Sarah has previously worked as a recruitment manager and as a senior careers adviser (science and engineering) at University of Nottingham. She is a qualified careers coach and is passionate about creating clear career pathways for technicians within Higher Education and Research Institutes. <h3>Related information</h3>Technician CommitmentThe <a href="https://www.techniciancommitment.org.uk/" title="https://www.techniciancommitment.org.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Technician Commitment</a> is a university and research institution initiative. It aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines. Universities and research institutes are invited to become signatories of the Technician Commitment and pledge action to tackle the key challenges affecting their technical staff. The hidden REFThe <a href="https://hidden-ref.org/" title="https://hidden-ref.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">hidden REF</a> is a campaign to recognise all research outputs and every role that makes research possible. It began with a competition held in 2021 which showcased the diversity of research outputs in UK research, and the incredible people who work in hidden roles – from librarians to technicians, research software engineers to research administrators and managers – making vital-but-unrecognised contributions to research. <h3>About the Research Software Camp: Digital Skills for Research Technical Staff</h3>This iteration of the Research Software Camps will run for two weeks from 18th to 27th November 2024. We will focus on introducing and developing research software skills that research technical staff might use as part of their day-to-day jobs.The Software Sustainability Institute runs free online Research Software Camps focussing on introducing and exploring a topic around research software, thus starting discussions among various research communities.

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