Progression - Frequently Asked Questions

When we speak about academic progression, we are referring to progression from Assistant Professor (entry-level academic staff) to Associate Professor B, also known as progression across the merit bar.
Progression is not competitive and is based on individual performance.

Progression may be granted to Assistant Professors who demonstrate the following levels of performance for this stage of career: 

• Excellent scholarship and research output;
• Excellent teaching and curriculum development;
• Satisfactory service to the University and the wider community.

Each criterion must be met or exceeded to be considered for progression; you cannot progress based on excellence in one area alone. In assessing applications, both qualitative and quantitative measures are applied. It is important that you manage your time and effort in all three areas. These are the building blocks for your long term career.  

The evaluation process for progression happens annually and there are no barriers to applying each year. However, you are strongly encouraged not to apply too early. 

Use your own judgement; be objective when considering your progress against each of the progression criteria. Consult with your mentors, colleagues and Head of Department/School and take their feedback on board.

You should start building your portfolio straight away, don't wait for the call.  Keep records and document your work. 

Have your teaching evaluated and demonstrate how you are acting on this evaluation.

Develop your research plan and demonstrate your research output trajectory.

Review your service to the department, faculty, university, profession and the wider community and consider how your can make a greater contribution to these.

There are many supports and development opportunities available to you. Examples of these are:

• The Career Development workshop for Assistant Professors will help you to identify your goals and develop your career strategy.
• The Annual Voluntary Interim Dev review  provides Assistant Professors with feedback on their progress, including identification of areas that need further attention and focus. All Assistant Professors are invited to submit a draft portfolio for a Voluntary Interim Development Review. 
• The Researcher Development Programme offers development opportunities to support your Research Career.
• The Center for Transformative Learning offers many supports to achieve excellence in your teaching.Refer to the Early Career Supports Site for more information on development supports. For details of upcoming training opportunities see our events calendar UL Connect or My Learning Space

Staff progressing to Associate Professor B will progress on the basis of their current contract and terms and conditions of employment, e.g. multi-annual, specific purpose or fixed-term contracts. Staff on specific purpose or fixed-term contracts will not have an entitlement to a contract of indefinite duration or multiannual contract on the basis of progressing across the merit bar. Please refer to the Progression and Promotion Policies and Procedures, as appropriate to you.

1. Prior to application, familiarise yourself with the policies, forms and procedures relating to the Progression of Academic Staff.

2. Complete your Portfolio, which includes:

• Evidence of scholarship and research output
• Evidence of high quality teaching
• Evidence of service to the University and the wider community

3. Applications must be supported by an academic reference from a referee who is familiar with your work and an external assessor report.

4. Applications and required supporting documentation (with the exception of a softcopy Reference and External Assessor Report) must be submitted through the e-recruitment system by the closing date/time. Please refer to the Progression and Promotion Policies and Procedures, as appropriate to you.

The call opens each year and is advertised by eRecruitment. It is important to note the closing date for the call when applying, as no late applications will be accepted.

Applications must be submitted through the e-recruitment system by the closing date/time.