Dr Natalie James

Organisation

University of Sussex

Job title

Research Staff Officer

Biography 

Natalie is responsible for coordinating institutional support for the community of 350 University of Sussex research staff. She manages a tailored programme of development events for researchers and liases closely with researchers, academics and professional services to implement policy and practice to enhance the environment for Sussex research staff. Before moving to Sussex in January 2014, Natalie worked at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for five years, where she developed a keen interest in the development of early career researchers and issues of gender equality in science. She is a chemist by training and graduated from her PhD at the University of Bristol in 2009.

Natalie's interest in coaching and mentoring was sparked during her management training at the EPSRC. Having seen the benefits of coaching for those that she managed; since joining the University of Sussex, Natalie has been keen to develop a coaching and mentoring culture for Sussex research staff, particularly for those from underrepresented groups. Over the last 18 months she has designed and implemented a Women in STEMM group mentoring scheme, which has involved training academic mentors and research staff in coaching and mentoring skills. She undertakes regular 1:1 coaching sessions with researchers and is in the final stages of completing the CIPD Intermediate Certificate in Organisational Coaching and Mentoring. She is a member of the European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC).