Creating a Career Path for Shared Research Resources Personnel

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Scientific Administration
• Human Resources in Science

Background:

• Shared research resources (SRR) are vital for academic research.
• Recruiting and retaining skilled SRR staff is increasingly challenging due to a competitive market.
• Staffing shortages in SRR negatively impact research quality and service provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled staff in shared research resources.
• To propose the creation of standardized, tiered career paths for SRR personnel.
• To highlight the benefits of a defined career track for SRR staff and institutions.

Main Methods:

• Characterizing the distinct roles and skill sets of SRR staff compared to laboratory research staff.
• Developing a framework for a standardized, multi-tiered career path with defined tasks.
• Presenting a case study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) on implementing such a career path.

Main Results:

• A standardized career track with 3-5 tiered positions can be tailored to specific SRR needs.
• Defined career paths promote fairness, equity, and opportunity for SRR staff.
• Implementation can lead to improved staff motivation, skill development, and retention.

Conclusions:

• Establishing distinct career paths for SRR staff is essential for institutional research success.
• A well-defined career track supports professional growth, skill acquisition, and fair compensation for SRR personnel.
• This approach enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of shared research resources.