Research career stages (R1-R4)

The SNSF supports researchers at all stages of their careers through its various funding schemes. Its funding offer is aligned with the R1 to R4 stages defined in the European Framework for Research Careers.

The European Framework for Research Careers provides a common reference system that reflects a researcher’s role, experience and contributions to the scientific community – whether in academia or beyond. It describes four career stages, from R1 (First Stage Researcher) to R4 (Leading Researcher).

This framework enables scientific careers to be organised according to researchers’ competences and level of autonomy. It thus makes careers more comparable and reinforces mobility between employment sectors and countries.

The SNSF’s funding portfolio is now aligned with this framework. The table below includes descriptions of the four stages and lists the qualifications and competences that the SNSF expects at the start and end of each stage.

The aim is to take into account the diversity of career paths in research and to facilitate mobility between different employment sectors.

Description

Qualifications and competences required at the start

Competences acquired by the end

R1 - First Stage Researcher

A researcher doing research under supervision up to the point of a PhD or equivalent level of competence and experience.

… has completed a master’s degree.

… has background knowledge or preliminary expertise in the research question that will be explored.

… has a very good understanding of the theories, concepts, approaches and methodologies relevant to their previous, ongoing and planned research.

… can design, plan and undertake a research project under a level of supervision appropriate to their discipline’s norms.

… is capable of communicating research findings to other researchers and demonstrating their value to society where appropriate.

R2 - Recognised Researcher

A researcher with a PhD or equivalent level of competence and experience who has not yet established a significant level of independence in developing their own research, attracting funding or leading a research group.

… has completed a PhD or has an equivalent level of experience with a substantive period of relevant research training.

… can design, plan and undertake a research project with a level of supervision appropriate to their discipline’s norms.

… is capable of communicating research findings to other researchers and demonstrating their value to society where appropriate.

… has a sound familiarity with their wider research field.

… has a very good understanding of the theories, concepts, approaches and methodologies relevant to their previous, ongoing and planned research.

… is able to design, plan and undertake a research project without being supervised and has completed relevant training to acquire these skills.

… has established a broad network with other researchers in their research field.

… has acquired initial experience in mentoring or supporting less experienced researchers (who may or may not have been employed under their direct supervision), in academic or extra-academic settings.

R3 - Established Researcher

A researcher with a PhD or equivalent level of competence and experience who is able to independently develop their own research, attract funding and lead a research group.

… has significant research achievements since the PhD phase.

… can design, plan and undertake a research project without being supervised and has completed relevant training to acquire these skills.

… has established a broad network with other researchers in their research field.

… has acquired experience in mentoring or supporting less experienced researchers (who may or may not have been employed under their direct supervision), in academic or extra-academic settings.

… has achieved international recognition for excellence in their field of research.

… has developed and led a major research project, with a team of researchers where appropriate.

… can demonstrate effective mentoring and training of early-career researchers.

… is involved in the national and international support and promotion of their research domain.

… has acquired competences in financial, human resources and project management as appropriate.

R4 - Leading Researcher

A researcher with a PhD or equivalent level of competence and experience who is recognised as leading their research field by their peers.

… has an international recognition for excellence in their field of research.

… has developed and led a major research project, with a team of researchers where appropriate.

… can demonstrate effective mentoring and training of early-career researchers.

… is involved in the national and international support and promotion of their research domain.

… has competences in financial, human resources and project management as appropriate.