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Schemes for Engineers in Research and Development MOD Research Fellowship: Frequently asked questions In the case of uncertainty, the Rules and Conditions of the Fellowship are to take precedence. 1.What is the closing date for applying for the RAEng/MOD Research Fellowship? 5pm Friday 15 May 2009. 2.How many Fellowships are available? It is anticipated that one Fellowship will be made. 3. In which area must the proposed research lie? The research is to be in the field of energy mitigation in blast and impact loading. 4. How can I apply? The application form can be
downloaded from www.raeng.org.uk/research, along
with guidance notes. Together with this form you are
required to submit a full CV, research proposal,
proposed timeline and a supporting letter from the
Head of Department of the Host University. Full
details are available in the
Guidance Notes (37KB) 5. How many applications on average are received for the scheme? This is the first year the Fellowship is being offered therefore it is unknown how many applications will be received. 6. Are there any experience limitations? Applicants should be about to complete their PhD or have up to, but not more than, three years postdoctoral research experience at the closing date of the application round. There is no age limit for the Fellowship but applicants should have a substantial academic career ahead of them. 7. Are there nationality or other eligibility requirements? Due to the sensitive nature of
the research and involvement with Dstl applicants
must be UK nationals. Appointment will be dependent
upon the applicant obtaining MOD security clearance
and the placement of a non-disclosure agreement
between Dstl and the applicant. Applicants must have
less than three years post doctoral experience, or
who are about the complete their PhD, and can be
working in any engineering discipline. 8. Will The Academy help me find a Host University so that I can apply? It is the responsibility of the applicant to make contact with a Host University and gain acceptance from the relevant Head of Department prior to applying to the scheme. A listing of UK universities can be found on www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo. 9. Do I need to nominate a referee? Yes, you are required to provide The Academy with the contact details of two referees, one of whom will be contacted during the review process. You should contact both nominated referees and inform them of this. 10. Can the Fellowship be held at an industrial organisation? Fellowships cannot be held at an industrial organisation, although research can be carried out with industry providing the research is relevant to the core programme of the Fellowship. 11. What does the Fellowship provide for? Funding will be on a full economic costing basis and include gross salary, indirect and estates costs. Full costing details will only be required from applicants that are selected for interview. Applicants should liaise with their Research Support Office of their intended Host University for advice on allowable costs. 12. When will I hear the outcome of the peer review process?
13. When can the Research Fellowship commence? The Research Fellow is expected to begin from October 2009 and no later than March 2010. 14. What is the duration of the Fellowship? The Fellowship is for 60 months (or five years) full time. 15. Can the Fellowship be held part-time? In certain circumstances Research Fellowships can be held part-time. Applicants may request that the Fellowship be held part-time (at no less than 50% of time) at the time of application. Alternatively, it can be converted to part-time or back to full-time during the course of the Fellowship. 16. Can the Fellowship be extended? Extensions to Research Fellowships beyond 60 months are not permitted. 17. What is the employment status of a Research Fellow? The Research Fellow must be employed solely by the host organisation during the period of the Fellowship. The organisation must accept all the normal responsibilities of an Employer, and ensure that adequate facilities are made available for the research proposed. The applicant may already hold a permanent position at the Host Institution at the time of application. 18. Can a Research Fellow move during the course of the Fellowship? A degree of mobility during the course of a Research Fellowship may be beneficial. This would include plans to engage in collaborative research at centres of excellence overseas. Any proposal to transfer the Fellowship to a different organisation within the UK would need to be discussed with the existing and proposed host organisations. If the new organisation agrees to host the Fellowship, The Academy and Dstl will normally be agreeable to a transfer. In such cases the original Fellowship would be closed and a new one issued for the balance of the funding period. 19. Can the Research Fellowship be interrupted? The Fellowship may be interrupted not more than twice during the period of their Fellowship to spend time on activities unsupported but directly related to the Fellowship. Such periods of abeyance must not exceed 2 years in total. Prior agreement must be sought from The Academy. It is unlikely that agreement will be given for a break during the final year of Fellowship. Where periods of abeyance are agreed, the award will be extended by a period of time equal to the length of the break. 20. Can Research Fellows pursue other work during the course of their fellowship? Research Fellows are expected to devote their whole working time to research. Up to four hours a week may, however, be spent on teaching and demonstrating. 21. Is it possible to take maternity or paternity leave during the Fellowship? As employees of the host institution Research Fellows are entitled to maternity or paternity leave under the employing institution’s guidelines. The Fellowship will be suspended for the duration of the leave period. 22. Will I be provided with a mentor? A mentor will be provided to offer advice and facilitate industrial links as the research progresses. The mentor will be a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering. 23. How will The Academy monitor my progress? The University will establish a Steering Group comprising the University Head of Department, the Incumbent, The Academy Mentor and The Academy Scheme Manager which will meet formally on an annual basis to review the progress made by the Incumbent. Prior to this meeting the Incumbent will submit a formal progress report which will be reviewed at the meeting. The Research Fellow is also expected to submit a report every 6 months to The Academy and Dstl. |  |
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