Table 3

Roles and key tasks for research services in an academic division of general surgery

Role; level	Key tasks
Divisional director of research^*	Support research direction, objectives and activities May have some authority over a research budget
Meso	Aid, as appropriate, in securing external funding and support Define overall research strategy for the division, including internal funding allocation for research pillar Distribute awards, scholarships and grants through departmental research committee Organize annual research day for the division Support publications and conference attendance through departmental research committee
Micro	Mentor/facilitate surgeons’ (staff and residents) research objectives Organize and host information and orientation sessions for trainees and supervisors
Surgeoninvestigator	Divide time between clinical practice and supporting research Appointment at university or research institute Not restricted to clinical research; could be involved in educational research, for example
Micro	Collaborate and be engaged in research teams Publish as a coinvestigator, collaborator or senior author Carry out research in a defined area of focus Supervise fellows, residents and medical students in research projects
Surgeonscientist^†	Lead a research program while holding clinical responsibilities Appointment at university or research institute may be subject to reappointment review Cross-appointed at faculty of graduate and postdoctoral studies
Micro	Hold peer-reviewed or other grants as primary investigator Lead a “program” of research Publish as primary investigator or senior author of high-impact papers Supervise fellows, residents and graduate students

↵* Division may have representation only at the departmental level.
↵† This role is greatly dependent on the size of the program.