Checklist for Principal Investigators (PIs) supervising Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs)
- This checklist is intended to help PIs to cover necessary areas relating to the management of PDRAs
- PDRAs will also undertake broad Induction with the Department Manager when they first join the Department
- Items listed below, which are covered by the Departmental Manager, are for your information and are included here in case you also wanted to discuss any practical aspects surrounding these points
| When? | Topic | Details | Who? |
|---|---|---|---|
Start - first meeting(s) | Their role | Outline duties/ responsibilities, in line with job description and Terms & Conditions of employment | PI |
| Flexible working | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/policies/leave-and-absence/flexible-working/policy/ | Dept. Manager | |
| Sick leave | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/browse/leave-and-absence/sickness-absence | Dept. Manager | |
| Annual Leave | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/leave-and-absence/annual-leave/calculation-guidance/ | Dept. Manager | |
| Personal and career development | For example, could:
Useful Resources: https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development Training Needs Analysis: | PI | |
Explain and start probation procedures (if appropriate) | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/policies/new-starters/research-teaching-probation-procedure/
| PI | |
| Department Early Career Group | Introduce to Early Career Group Representatives | Dept. Manager | |
| Research Groups | For example, should:
| PI | |
| University Mentoring Scheme | More information can be found in the 'For Established Academic, Research (including post-docs), Teaching and Scholarship Staff' link, at: | PI | |
| Profile in Pure | Instructions: tinyurl.com/PUREtips An example profile can be found at: https://pure.york.ac.uk/portal/en/researchers/alistair-bruce-alleyne-boxall(d4f7f3ca-29a9-4388-be95-7a67e0d49b49).html | PI | |
| Compliance - open access/ REF compliance for papers | Discuss how joint papers will be handled. Further info. at: https://www.york.ac.uk/library/info-for/researchers/open-access/ref/ | PI | |
| Compliance - Research Data Management | Discuss project specific procedures. Further info. at: | PI | |
| Further information on research support | Refer to Research Information section in the Staff Handbook | PI | |
| During probation period | Probation procedures, including formal review meetings | As outlined in University procedures: https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/policies/new-starters/research-teaching-probation-procedure/
| PI |
Throughout contract | Annual Performance Review | PDRA moves to PDR process once induction is complete: https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/browse/performance-management | PI |
| Personal and career development | For example, could:
Useful Resources: https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development Training Needs Analysis: Other resources in the Department: Industry Liaison Officer - can discuss opportunities in industry, can assist with CV writing etc. Research Support Team - can discuss future research plans, fellowship options etc. | PI | |
| Near the end of the contract | End of contract consultation | If the PDRA is leaving the University, from 3 months prior to end of contract: Hold an initial informal discussion to explain the process and provide the individual with the employee information sheet (https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/contracts-and-appointments/fixed-term-contracts/consultation/) Progress through consultation steps unless the individual indicates that they don't wish to participate in the consultation process (and completes the relevant form). Redeployment Register??????? | Dept. Manager? |
| Leaver Form | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/contracts-and-appointments/leaving-the-university/notifying-hr/ | Dept. Manager? | |
| Exit Interview | https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/policies/appointments-contracts-leavers/exit-questionnaires/ | Dept. Manager? |