Offering paid services while you're engaged in research - bad idea?

June 3, 2014 1:57 AM

I'm doing an academic research project in partial collaboration with a team in an organization that I have worked for both internally and now, currently, externally as a contractor. I am in the very initial stages of the research so we have not had that much interaction yet. This team has a position available internally that has some tasks that fit my profile; so I have extended an offer via email for my (paid) services to this specific team as a contractor (they haven't yet gotten back to me.) Was this ethical? Will it tarnish both/either my academic (not really very important as I'm not aiming to be an academic) or professional (far more important) reputation?

As mentioned, I was already employed by this organization, just not this specific department, and my research advisor is already well aware of and comfortable with my affiliation with the company though is not yet aware of the offer I have just made.

It really wasn't my intention to pitch myself to work for this team when I proposed the research project; the position became available after we'd already agreed to collaborate and I guess I just got a little bit excited when I saw how closely related the tasks are to the type of work I have done and enjoy doing. I might have jumped the gun a bit and am now really regretting having made the offer, at least at such an early stage. Any advice on the potential repercussions and navigating this situation from here on out would be appreciated.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (1 answer total)

Most schools and research institutions have detailed policies in place covering outside work, especially when it's in an area related to any of your research projects. This is because 1) it's somewhat common, and 2) this has the potential to become very messy in terms of things like conflict of interest disclosures, as well as any patents that may arise from either the work or the research. You will need to discuss this with the relevant offices at your school, and be sure to get approval IN WRITING for this work. This approval will probably have to come from a high-level office at your school (dean's office, VP of research, etc.)

Definitely mention this to your research adviser.
posted by penguinicity at 2:13 AM on June 3, 2014