What do you do if you're not getting the salary or raise you deserve in Research Management?

2 Market Rates

Understanding the current market rates for research management positions is a critical step in evaluating your compensation. Look into industry standards for someone with your qualifications and experience. Gather information from job postings, industry surveys, and professional networks. If you discover that your pay is below the industry average, this information will be a powerful tool in your discussions with your employer. Remember, knowledge is power, and being well-informed about where you stand in the market can make a significant difference.

3 Prepare Case

Once you've armed yourself with data about your value and the market rates, prepare a compelling case to present to your employer. Document your achievements, responsibilities, and any additional duties you've taken on that go beyond your job description. Highlight how these contribute to the organization's objectives and your team's success in research management. Your case should be clear, concise, and backed by evidence. This preparation shows that you're serious about the discussion and ready to negotiate from a position of strength.

4 Timing Matters

Timing can be just as important as the content of your negotiation. Look for the right moment to bring up the conversation—ideally, a period when the organization is not facing financial strain and after you've achieved a significant milestone or success. Performance reviews are often a good opportunity, as they're a natural time to discuss career progression and compensation. In research management, it might also be after a successful grant application or project completion when your value is most evident.

6 Plan B

If negotiations don't go as planned or if the response is not what you hoped for, it's important to have a Plan B. This might involve considering other job opportunities or reassessing your career goals. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an organization may not be able to meet your salary expectations due to budget constraints or other reasons. In such cases, you must decide whether you're willing to stay under current conditions or if it's time to move on to new opportunities where your skills in research management are appropriately valued.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?