Abstract

Early career researchers managers (ECRMs) face numerous challenges in their career paths, some of which include job instability, role ambiguity, limited career development opportunities, and lack of mentoring among others. Despite the myriad of challenges facing this cohort of research managers (RMs), there is not much research into the challenges they face, especially given that there is no formal training program or qualification in research management asides that offered by professional associations such as the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) and other related organisations. It is also a well-established fact that ECRMs struggle with time management, limited resources, and professional networking as well as difficulties in establishing unique career paths and adapting to evolving research landscapes. The problem becomes more complex for ECRMs from a migrant background within Europe, who may face discrimination and inequalities in the discharge of their duties. This paper presents the reflections of ECRMs from a migrant background about the challenges encountered in their work in research management within an Irish University context. The paper presents unique perspectives from researchers in Pre-Award, Post-Award and Research finance roles, exploring issues ranging from lack of access to training and their unique experiences of balancing societal and academic bias in research management practice. The study adopts a qualitative, reflexive approach to data collection, as well as thematic analysis of ten (10) key identified areas of challenges faced by ECRMs within the RMA practice in Europe. The study concludes with calls for more specialised training programs and events, curated to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs to ECRMs, who may not come from a necessarily scientific or numerative academic background, but need to be effective in their work. Structured mentorship programs, collaboration and professional development opportunities also need to be more available to these emerging RMAs to ensure long-term talent retention and sustainability in the profession.