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Are you a researcher passionate about improving research rigour, reproducibility, and transparency? Do you have a talent for fostering collaboration and community across disciplines?

The University of Cambridge is joining the UK Reproducibility Network as an Institutional Member and is looking for an Early-Career Researcher (Research Assistant/Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow or PhD Student) to become our inaugural Local Network Lead (LNL).

Becoming the University of Cambridge UKRN Local Network Lead is a unique opportunity to lead our efforts around improving research practices and culture, build interdisciplinary networks, and contribute to a national initiative that promotes rigorous and transparent research practices.

The LNL will work closely with the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN), the University of Cambridge Institutional Lead (Dr Amy Orben, Programme Leader, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit), and wider University to enhance research culture, facilitate training, and foster a collaborative community dedicated to rigorous research standards.

1) Lead and Coordinate a Local Network: You will establish and lead our University network of researchers, students, and technical/professional staff interested in research rigour and transparency. In collaboration with the Institutional Lead you will provide forums for discussion and coordinate initiatives such as training sessions, seminars, and surveys on research practices.

Act as the primary point of contact between the UKRN and the local network, disseminating information about UKRN initiatives, training, and events through a mailing list you will create.

2) Engage with Stakeholders: You will act as a contact point for research rigour within your institution. This will include collaborating with institutional services (e.g., library, research governance, and integrity teams) and external stakeholders (e.g., funders and UKRIO), while advocating for better training and support in research practices.

Engage with institutional senior management to advocate for policy changes that enhance research practices and support open science initiatives

3) Collaborate with UKRN: You will represent your institution within the UKRN community. This will include sharing knowledge, participating in UKRN projects, and disseminating information from UKRN to your local network.

Act as the primary point of contact between the UKRN and the local network, disseminating information about UKRN initiatives, training, and events through a mailing list you will create.  Contribute to UKRN projects such as the development of research primers or other collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting rigorous research methodologies.

This role should take up about 2 days of your time a month.

In recognition of this time commitment, money has been allocated to support the LNL’s involvement, however how this is used is flexible in nature and can be determined in collaboration with the individual, their line manager and funders (e.g., contract extensions, project funding, research support).

You will also gain access to professional development opportunities through UKRN. The role will also be a chance to build a leadership profile within the University of Cambridge and across the research community, including pportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals across institutions.

1. You are an Early-Career Researcher (Research Assistant/Associate, Postdoctoral/Research Fellow or PhD Student)

2. Passion for improving research practices, reproducibility, and/or transparency.

3. Proven ability to motivate people around you, e.g. leading and coordinating projects or networks.

4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of researchers

5. Interest in learning more about institutional structures and processes related to research, including governance, training, and data management.

There is also an expectation that you will be at the University until at least October 2026, to allow you to establish a range of initiatives.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to the Institutional Lead (Dr Amy Orben, amy.orben@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk) by the 21st of February 2025.

1. Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages): Highlight your suitability for the role, addressing the essential and desirable criteria, and outline your vision for our local network.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include details of relevant experience and achievements.

3. References: Contact details (name and email) for one referee who can speak to your suitability for this role.

If you have any questions, please email Dr Amy Orben.