Here you'll find details on the four RCF competencies for each level of the RCF.

Research Career Framework Competency Guidelines

Level 1: Postdoctoral Researcher

Competency		Definition
1. Discipline specific knowledge and Research skills		Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline
2. Communicating Research		Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students
3. Managing and Leadership skills		Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students
4. Understanding the Research Environment		Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications

Level 2: Research Fellow

Competency		Definition
1. Discipline specific knowledge and Research skills		Demonstrates the ability to design and implement part of a programme of research (for example by using critical thinking and the application of relevant research methodologies)
2. Communicating Research		Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research effectively to the research community and wider society (for example by publishing their research in high quality peer reviewed journals) and the ability to teach and tutor students
3. Managing and Leadership skills		Successfully manages research projects including the management and supervision of postgraduates and/or junior research staff
4. Understanding the Research Environment		Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally, and the ability to contribute substantially to grant applications

Level 3: Senior Research Fellow

Competency		Definition
1. Discipline specific knowledge and Research skills		Demonstrates the ability to design and/or implement a substantial programme of research including initiating and leading new research programmes (for example by using critical judgement and an understanding of new research methodologies)
2. Communicating Research		Demonstrates excellence in communicating their research nationally and internationally (for example by publishing in high quality peer reviewed journals of international standing and through invitation to participate in commercial research) and the ability to deliver teaching based on their own research
3. Managing and Leadership skills		Successfully leads and manages research programmes including the management and supervision of a small research team and the financial management of research programmes
4. Understanding the Research Environment		Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally, the ability to secure significant research funding and where relevant the ability to apply for intellectual property rights and/or patents for their research