There can be multiple reasons for why you decide on which PhD to pursue. Such as the research project, the PhD programme it is part of, the facilities and expertise available, the supervisory team and the research environment.
To help you with making that decision, find below an insight into the supervisory team and the research environment you will be part of. We appreciate that this is only a snapshot, and that supervisory support will change over your PhD journey as you grow in experience as a researcher, but we hope that you can use this information to help you when having conversations.
Click on the supervisor name below to find out more about them and their research group.
Just to note:
- These are the supervisors as listed on our ‘projects available‘ webpage under our 3 research areas (i.e. the listed main supervisor for the project).
- Supervisor profiles make reference to their supervisor style. You can view the diagram this makes reference to here.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained by us with the technical support and senior supervisor advice when needed. You will also benefit from the support from the other PGRs and post-docs.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 3
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Langford campus is home to different research groups with respective meetings and lab shadowing opportunities maximasing the interdisciplinary and interaction opportunities.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Significantly varies depending on the student; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every month. Student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The AWB group is highly collaborative and welcoming of new early career researchers. The lab is lively and organize weekly lab meetings that provide a means to discuss the latest science and engage in group-wide collaborative projects. As a PhD student you will receive training by your supervisors as well as more experienced students and postdocs. Training on the forms of workshops will also be available at the group (organized during some of the lab meetings), School and University level.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will have the opportunity to meet with all members of the AWB and the John Oldacre AI community. Meetings are organized weekly. The student will also be able to be in close contact with other research group via the Farm research meeting group (BL's students) and the Farm Animal Discussion Group which is composed of researchers in various fields, veterinarians and students.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The student is expected to work on the various tasks of its PhD in normal working hours and may have to engage in some weekend working when experimental data collection requires it.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will attend the PhD progress review meetings which will happen every fortnight. The student will also have the opportunity to spend time in the second supervisor’s group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The student will benefit from extensive support via email (checked everyday) and in-person meetings. Supervisors will be available by email, may answer emails outside working hours without expecting a response then and will be available for both scheduled and unscheduled meetings.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained by the postdoc in the lab, with further support from two PhD students. I will available on a daily basis for any additional help as required.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 9
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The PhD student will have the opportunity to attend and contribute to the weekly meetings between the Dodding, Cullen, Greive and Carroll labs at Bristol Biochemistry. All share an interest in the fundamental basis of cellular organisation. The groups also work closely together and foster a sense of community, sharing help and advice, equipment and reagents as required.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Prof Mark Dodding and Dr Bernadette Carroll share lab space. It is expected that Prof Dodding will participate in joint meetings with the student and also meet 121.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings can easily be arranged in advance; all students have access to my calendar and can request meetings. Students are always welcome to drop in if I am in the office.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be inducted into labs by the relevant specialist technician who will be a main point of contact on a daily basis. The main supervisor will also provide training in relevant techniques and advanced analysis. Fellow PhD students in the group will provide experimental and data analysis support.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Students will join monthly meetings with Dr Heather Whitney and Prof Thomas Gorochowski's research groups in Life Sciences. They can also join monthly energy seminars held with researchers in engineering and solar science seminars held with researchers in Chemistry. Informal coffee mornings are also held on a weekly basis in engineering and will be organised on at-least a monthly basis with Life Sciences.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): There are no core hours expected for office work. However, laboratory work will be conducted during technician's core hours of 9am to 5pm. Out of hours work is permitted with the correct safety procedures. But a healthy work-life-balance is encouraged and weekend working generally discouraged.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Heather Whitney and Prof Thomas Gorochowski will support the student with regular meetings (at least once a month) and encourage the student to attend lab meetings in the School of Biology. HW will provide the expertise on growing photosynthetic organisms in the presence of carbon dots, including in the health and safety aspects, which her lab has developed. As an experienced PhD supervisor, both HW and TG will aim to support the student and actively mentor the student-supervisor and supervisorial team relationships.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The supervisory team does not work core-hours, and sometimes work from home, but are available to email and Teams message every day. Meetings need to be arranged in advance.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Prof Matthew Crump and I will guide the project, assisting with interpretation of results and future plans. An excellent team of researchers (postgraduates and PDRAs) are available with experience across the full gamut of techniques required for success of the project (synthesis, spectroscopy, protein isolation and purification, structural biology). They will guide the new student in the practical techniques. We encourage all students to become independent researchers who can reach their true potential within a supportive environment.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Postgraduates and PDRA are strongly encouraged to discuss their results and project plans with others within the group as well as more widely. To facilitate this, there is a weekly "whiteboard" session which is an opportunity for researchers to present their recent results informally and get advice on problem-solving/ trouble shooting. These session are attended by members of the Willis and Crump groups and those from other research groups come along on occasions. In addition, group meetings are held regularly between the Willis/Crump groups at which researchers present and discuss their work.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): A goal is to nurture an environment in which students work hard and with enthusiasm due to their excitement and interest in their research project. Hence, they have flexibility and if need time away for any reason that can be taken. I encourage core hours in the lab, generally between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to create a dynamic and safe working environment. Weekend practical work is discouraged but students often use time outside core hours to interpret data, plan experiments, draft papers etc.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Due to the close proximity of the Willis and Crump offices/labs, informal meetings can occur as required, but a formal project meeting will be held every 6 weeks jointly with both supervisors and the student and where relevant will include other members of the research groups in the discussions.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: During term-time I tend to be in Chemistry everyday unless away for external commitments e.g. giving lectures/ attending conferences or meetings. Out of term time I usually work one-day a week at home but is available for on-line meetings or can be contacted by email. When not teaching, her door is open for students and PDRAs to drop in outside of their formal individual meeting (which are usually up to one hour once a fortnight).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: General project support and planning via me and the supervisory team, we have senior postdocs Joanna, Jérémie and Lizzie with a wealth of experience in all lab techniques, our two technicians Bianca and Esther are both also great at training and helping students and the other PhD students are also really helpful and useful contacts for day to day experimental troubleshooting.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 5
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have close existing collaborations with the university of Bristol with the Lane group (autophagy), the Rayfield group (evolution and biomechanics), the Caroll group (senescence), the Amulic group (innate immune cells), the Richardson group (zebrafish ageing and regeneration), the Stephens group (protein trafficking). The student would have the opportunity to interact with any of these groups if they wanted. We also have a wide network of collaborators elsewhere both in the UK and worldwide (e.g. Australia, USA, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden) and there is the possibility to visit these groups if the student desires (and it makes sense within the project to do so.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We're happy to accommodate most work patterns and the students in the group have relative flexibility about choosing their own hours. We have our group meetings at lunchtime to suit both the early birds and the night owls in the group. Very occasionally experiments may require some weekend work or evenings (for a specific timepoint as we can't just 'stop' fish development) but we can usually avoid these by careful planning. Students can take time off in lieu if they have worked on a weekend or for extended hours. Some remote work can be accommodated (for bioinformatics/analysis/planning/writing) but largely the student will be based on campus (which also gives better chance to interact with other group members).
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Student to spend second rotation either in Cardiff (or if there is a reason the student can't easily do that – e.g. mobility reasons) to be closely supervised by second supervisor during this period. We will have monthly meetings with both Emma Blain (in Cardiff) and Sarah Rice (in Newcastle) to discuss the project and to interact with their group members. Most of these monthly meetings will be online (zoom or teams) but every few months we'll endeavour to have in person meetings rotating between sites. As the PhD progresses, the student will be given the opportunity to spend time in the Cardiff lab utilising a bank of archived tissue sections for analyses to complement their in vivo zebrafish studies.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Scheduled meetings, but also students welcome to drop into my office (I'm in most days and I'm directly opposite the group office) with short or more urgent questions. Responsive by email, we also have a group slack for work questions, and a group WhatsApp (more for social organisation). I make clear no responses to me expected out of hours, and normally even if I'm working out of hours I use schedule send rather than email at antisocial times.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The initial training in various methods will be provided by the complementary supervisory team. Dr Harry Siviter will conduct the training with bumblebees, and CG will oversee the training with honeybees. Dr Andres Arenas will train the student in teaching bees to collect pollen, while Dr Francisca Segers will handle the bioinformatics training. Dissections and RNA extractions will be taught by other members of CG's research team.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Members of our team have fortnightly meetings with members of the Ecology theme, these include the groups led by Tommaso Jucker, Jane Memmott, Chris Clements, Filipe Franca and Martin De Kauwe from the School of Biological Sciences.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Working patterns are flexible and depend on individual preferences. Because bee work is seasonal and reliant on good weather, there may be some weekend working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will join meetings between the main supervisor and the student every 3-4 weeks. For the experiment with bumblebees the student will spend time in the lab of the second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I reply to emails from Monday to Friday during working ours. When information needs to be shared in a time-sensitive manner, I will answer during the weekend and out-of-office hours, but there is no expectation that the student answers emails outside normal working hours.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Supervision & support will be provided initially by DP, over the first rotation in particular there will be considerable contact; the PDRA will also be available for daily contact. Weekly lab meetings with the other PGR students in the lab, remote weekly lab meetings with the other co-supervisors when working in those areas. Experimental & technical support will be boosted by the numerous local facilities staff.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will be invited to regular fish 'supergroup' meetings with all fish facility users and quarterly GW4 Cryo EM user meetings. Interaction with students and postdocs from outside the supervisory teams own groups will be encouraged alongside participating in student symposia in the school, faculty and research areas.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The working pattern of the group is currently 4 days in the lab and 1 day WFH with core hours for the lab 10.30-5. Due to the highly computational nature of the research, remote working is possible and hybrid working patterns can be embraced if desired.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The proximity of the Hammond lab will facilitate good communication between the second supervisor and student with formal meetings scheduled every 3 months. It is predicted that weekly contact at a minimum will occur through shared lab space & fish meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I have a hybrid working pattern and familial commitments that encroach onto 'normal' working hours, however I will be available to receive emails at all times. If I write emails out of working hours I will schedule send for 9 am, unless there is prior agreement. Meetings to be scheduled particularly as I work in a shared space but short notice or online is possible.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group is based at Bristol University's Langford campus. We have our own office building there, and adjacent laboratories for rodent and invertebrate work. You will be working as part of a wider team of students, research technicians and research assistants, with lots of academic and practical support from your supervisors and the rest of the team.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Beyond your immediate research group, there will be a number of opportunities to interact with other students and research groups. In addition to associations between our group and those of the wider Veterinary School, we also have ongoing collaborations with The School of Psychological Science and the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience. Having a collaborating supervision partner at Aberystwyth University (Dr Sarah Dalesman) will also offer opportunities for a non-Bristol-based research group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The expected working pattern for a full-time student is not expected to diverge significantly from a standard 9-5, Mon-Fri pattern. Pro-rata and flexible working patterns are available to part-time students.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The Second supervisor will attend most weekly meetings, and will also provide additional advice or training where needed.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: There will be at least one team member present in the laboratories on all weekdays. The main supervisor will be available (open-door policy; email availability) on most weekdays and often out of hours also. The second supervisor will be available in person on at least two days per week, and at any time for email enquiries.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: We are a small research group and you will initially be trained by me. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by our team members.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We regularly have joint lab meetings with local collaborators in person (Ross Purple: sleep and mental health, Edwin Dalmaijer: psychology of emotion), and online with friends of the lab in other international institutions (primarily in China, USA, France).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Focused around core hours (10-4pm) and other time to be managed around this. Expectation to stop for lunch and breaks. Encouraged to spend time in skills training, and attending talks beyond project scope. Some behavioural testing may carry over to weekend, but expectation to balance this with taking other time in lieu.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between all supervisors monthly, student will spend time with second supervisors research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: We have weekly in person meetings. I'm available on Teams every workday. I respond to emails within a week if not urgent, sooner if so. Welcome to knock on door for brief questions and queries.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me in all the techniques relevant (in vitro reconstitution, cryo-EM preparation, data collection, analysis and single molecule experiments). Additional support will be provided by second supervisor in protein purification, reconstitution, cell culture and microscopy experiments.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The PhD student will have the opportunity to attend and contribute to the weekly meetings between the Dodding, Cullen, Greive and Carroll labs at Bristol Biochemistry. All share an interesting in the fundamental basis of cellular organisation and its dysregulation in disease. The groups also work closely together and foster a sense of community, sharing help and advice, equipment and reagents as required.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): All work within core hours of 10-4 and no expectation of weekend/evening working unless data collection sessions at Diamond or in-house demands it due to scheduling restrictions. I would expect to meet with students very regularly during the early stages of their PhD (i.e. more than once per week), moving into regular once per week meetings (supported by ad hoc meetings) as they become established, and then adapting to the student’s and project’s requirements as they begin develop independence, but still aiming to maintain around 1 meeting per week.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: They will be in nearby lab space and have an open door policy, but we expect to arrange formal meetings every 1-2 months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day and open door office policy. I will try to not e-mail outside work hours (except for emergencies or urgent questions) but do not mind receiving e-mails after work hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: At the beginning of the project you will be trained by me and our post-doctoral researcher. Additional day-to-day support will be provided by our research technicians. The post-doctoral researcher will be your main point of contact for day-to-day matters but I operate an open-door approach to supervision and will normally be available at short notice.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have fortnightly meetings with the Infection, Inflammation, and Immunotherapy groups (~12 research groups), for discussion on diverse relevant topics. We host masterclasses in these meetings to provide additional skills training. We also frequently meet with collaborators who also provide training opportunities.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We encourage a healthy work-life balance so core-hours (10-4, with some time management around this) is our preferred working pattern. Being present at the same time also enables us to maintain collegiality and collaboration within the group. However, there is some flexibility to meet other commitments, if necessary. Due to the nature of our research there is occasional weekend work (to maintain cell cultures) and evening night shifts (e.g. facility time at Diamond Light Source). We try to share these responsibilities as much as possible to minimise work outside of normal hours.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Focussed meetings with main and second supervisor will be every 2 months. Our groups share office space providing many opportunities for cross-group collaboration and support. Meetings with the full supervisory team will be every 6 months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am normally present in my office (adjacent to the main labs) during core hours. I am free to receive emails all day and have an open door policy to my group. Meetings need to be booked in advance but I can usually meet within 48 hours. Since the group is growing rapidly there will be other group members to support too.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be trained my me, the rest of the supervisory team, and members of our labs. The student will benefit by receiving further, informal training and support from members of the other labs that make up the DNA-Protein Interaction Unit. Group meetings with me will be held on a weekly basis. Additional meetings with the whole supervisory team will initially be held each month; the frequency will then be adjusted according to the needs of the project and student. Overall, there is considerable flexibility in the level and type of support offered, which will be adapted to meet the requirements of the student.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will spend time in all labs of the supervisory team. The 'supergroup' meetings of the DNA-Proteins Interactions Unit (detailed above) will provide the student with further support, including opportunities for brainstorming, troubleshooting, and getting to know other researchers and their work.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core hours of 9–5 on weekdays (in person) are expected to enable effective supervision, contact time with colleagues, and sufficient experimental progress. However, there is flexibility around working hours provided that these requirements are met. Sometimes, experiments may require working outside of core hours (e.g. evenings and weekends), in which case adjustments can be made elsewhere to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: In addition to monthly group meetings with the whole supervisory team, the student will spend time in the research groups of SMF and JGH. Having distinct scientific backgrounds and being at different career stages, SMF and JGH will also provide the student with valuable scientific and professional guidance from different perspectives throughout the PhD project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Feel free to drop by my office if my door is open, or for anything urgent. Otherwise, extra meetings can be arranged in advance. I am available by email during core working hours. I may email you outside of core hours, but I do not expect a response outside of this time.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Students will initially be trained by the PIs, alongside a senior postdoc in the group. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by postdocs and other group members, as the technical expertise requires. Your main point of contact will be the postdoc on a daily basis. I meet with all group members 1-to-1 every 2 months for mentorship and hold project updates for the whole group together once a week and individually every 2 weeks. The Second Supervisor (Dr Adam Grieve) has weekly 1-to-1 meetings as well as weekly lab meetings.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once per week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: I have joint group meetings with Michael Ashby, Paul Anastasiades and Zaf Bashir. I also internally collaborate with Emma Robinson, Jon Hanley, Jeremy Henley. Dr Adam Grieve has joint group meetings with Pete Cullen, Mark Dodding and Berni Carroll (for cell biology), and Jon Hanley, Jeremy Henley and Kevin Wilkinson (for Neurobiochemistry). The Second Supervisor collaborates with Robin Corey and Ian Collinson. The student will have access to all of these research groups and meetings.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): 7.5 hours per day on weekdays.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend time in the second supervisors group (Dr Adam Grieve), as the project is highly collaborative. We will host a quarterly joint JM/Dr Adam Grieve lab meeting to foster our collaboration.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Both supervisors are available most days, and when not, are contactable via email or Teams/Zoom. Students are welcome to drop in if the door is open, and organised meetings are encouraged.
University of Bristol – Medical Sciences
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: I will be responsible for overall research training and support of student. Edgar Buhl will provide day-to-day training and support for fly electrophysiology and behaviour. Mino Belle will train and support student in rodent electrophysiology, Hugh Piggins will train the student to perform molecular clock imaging and mouse behavioural experiments, Krasi Tsaneva-Atanasova will train student to perform computational modelling.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 10
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will have weekly in person one-on-one meetings with supervisor (Hodge) and weekly in person lab meeting. They will have the opportunity to meet every two weeks online (with all sLola grant ECRs will meet online on “off weeks”), as well as in person at CircadiAgeing meeting to be held twice a year at host Universities rotating location for training purposes. This will consist of progress talks from each lab as well as planning, strategy, outreach, training, and mitigation “roundtable” discussions. Further opportunities for networking, informal discussion and team building will be facilitated. Hodge is PI on BBSRC grant on the membrane clock and works successfully with Belle, Buhl, Piggins and Tsaneva-Atanasova, providing familiarity of working practices across the group and who also have/had other grants and have/are successfully supervising PhDs with a similar management and team approach.
I have set-up an advisory board specific to CircadiAgeing that includes a diversity of expertise, perspectives and experiences including those with shared experiences and characteristics with those involved in (or impacted by) the research. The advisory group has excellent representation from a broad range of disciplines, geographical, career stage, EDI backgrounds. The PhD student with sLola ECRs will have the opportunity to meet the advisory group twice a year. Hodge runs the South-West Fly Meetings (https://genetics.org.uk/events/fly-south-west/) which has 3 meetings of fly research talks a year, the student will have the opportunity to attend and present at. I also help run ARUK South-West network with regular meetings and ECR activities the student will participate in.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The research pattern is flexible and will incorporate collaborative team science, although the option for a part time PhD is available, a rough 9-5pm working week pattern with normal University patterns will be sufficient to achieve the PhD research objectives.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will have continuous email contact with the student, and then fortnightly in person or online supervisor meeting. During the second rotation and training period more contact will be available. The student will also have meet with the second supervisor and rest of the sLola team as described above.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I work a roughly 9-5pm Monday-Friday working week (with standard University holidays) and I am in my office for the vast majority of time and have an open door policy and am always available by email and Whatsapp. I also perform experiments so am available in the lab.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by Dr Mann and Dr Katja Klein. This wil be supported by our trained research technician. Further day-to-day experimental support is to be provided by our postdoctoral research associate (PDRA). The PDRA will be your main point of contact on a daily basis. Dr Mann and Dr Klein operate an open door policy, therefore either member of the supervisory team can also provide day-to-day support if needed.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have weekly meetings with long-term collaborators at the Unversity of Western Ontario (Canada) and we have occasional meetings with collaborators at Imperial College London. The multiple PI-lead research teams at Western University specialise in various RNA virus infections and this presents an excellent opportunity for a students to see different research, ideas and techniques. There is the opportunity to travel to their labs when undertaking aspects of your PhD, to learn new techniques.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (9-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Klein and Dr Mann co-wrote the funded 5yr UKRI grant to which the work is aligned to. Therefore Dr Klein is very involved in the running of this collaborative project. Dr Klein and Dr Mann have shared weekly lab meetings, providing excellent opportunity for the students to access both supervisors. Meetings involving all members of the supervisory team (Mann, Klein and Cogan) and the student will occur every 3 months. During the rotational projects, the student will have the opportunity to spend time in each of the supervisors research teams.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Students are welcome to contact me via e-mail any day of the week. Although my working hours can be irregular, I will endeavour to respond at the earliest opportunity. Failing that, there will always be a team member you can reach out to. Because of my shifting working hours, you may occasionally receive emails from me outside of standard hours, however I don’t expect a response until you're next available. I operate an open door policy so feel free to drop in—though I recommend arranging a meeting in advance.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Since my research group is new, you will be trained by me initially. I will be able to be closely involved in the project and to offer regular input and direction. In addition, you will be supported by post docs and senior PhD students in the Woolfson and Dodding labs, including a final year PhD student working across the labs on an associated project. I expect my group to grow to include PDRAs and other students. I aim to foster a strong culture of community and collaboration in my group, encouraging all of us to support and learn from each other.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The research is highly collaborative, and you will have the opportunity to attend and contribute to the weekly meetings and subgroup meetings between the Woolfson and Cross labs which cover an interest in protein design. In addition, through a collaboration with Prof Mark Dodding, you will have the opportunity to be part of shared lab meetings in Biochemistry between the Dodding/Cullen/Grieve/Carroll labs, focussed on cellular organisation and its role in disease. I have established collaborations working across these labs which offer a supportive community and share ideas, facilities and reagents.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): To create a good working environment and promote teamwork, we strongly encourage all students and post-docs to be present in the lab/office Monday to Friday for core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some coordination with other lab members is required to avoid lone working. Working from home is allowed when there is a clear need (e.g. at certain thinking- intensive times during writing reports and papers). Flexible working is encouraged for researchers to make the best use of their time and instrument/facilities time (e.g., if instruments are only available in the evenings or at the weekends, and for external facilities (e.g. Diamond Light Source) where access is at set times and may be out of normal office hours. All group members are expected to attend group meetings and research- aligned/interesting seminars across the University.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The two groups share lab space and group meetings so there will be plenty of opportunities for regular updates and informal discussions, but we expect to arrange formal meetings every 1-2 months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I expect to be available in-person and by email every day. I would like to meet informally and regularly, and my door will be open for you to drop-in when I do not have other commitments. I would encourage scheduling of weekly catch-up meetings. I may contact you outside of working hours, but I do not expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and i will be available to provide regular experimental support and training throughout the studentship. Further training and day-to-day support will be provided by an experienced research technician.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We will have joint weekly group meetings with both the Harrison and Gonçalves groups, who work on plant evolution and development. The research will take place in a highly communal and collaborative laboratory shared by 7 plant molecular biology groups, ensuring regular contact with other PhD students working on aligned topics.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): There is scope for flexibility but to ensure a collaborative environment work within core hours (10-4) is strongly encouraged. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some occasional weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meetings will be arranged with both supervisors every 3 months. The first rotation project will take place in the second supervisor's research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am present in the department every day and will also be working regularly in the lab. You are welcome to contact me outside of scheduled meetings, either in person or by email. I may contact you outside of working hours but i do not expect a response outside of working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training will be provided by the supervisory team during rotation projects and during the main project work. All supervisors will remain available for advice and support on a daily basis. The school research operations team are available for practical support and equipment needs.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: As well as the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, the student will spend time with the Infection, Immunity and immunotherapy and Animal Sensing and Biometrics research groups. They will also have the opportunity for frequent interactions with the Farm Animal Discussion Group and Food Sustainability Group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): A flexible working pattern that takes account of experimental demands. Most of the time I would expect roughly a 9-5 working day.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors at least every week. Meeting all 3 supervisors at least every month. Student to spend time in the second supervisor's research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available by email every day and for arranged meeting at mutual convenience. Welcome to drop in and ask questions when I'm in the office.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by one of our experienced Postdocs in aspects of gene editing and advanced confocal imaging, with my input provided particularly for the latter. Ongoing day-to-day support will be provided by a designated Postdoc with ad hoc guidance from other research students (PhDs) in the lab whose projects and/or technical focus overlap.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Weekly Lane lab meetings are typically attended by up to 3 PhD students from other groups as part of collaborations and/or use some of our research facilities. A close collaborator (Dr Lucy Crompton) also often joins our lab meetings. As part of a 4x group multi-user space, we hold regular joint meetings to discuss ongoing research and lab management, and there is always opportunities to interact/collaborate with researchers in these and other associated cell biology groups.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): I allow flexibility on when researchers attend the lab, but most lab members work during core hours as a minimum. Many of our projects use stem cell lines that sometimes require attention at weekends depending on their differentiation stage. This can necessitate visits to the lab at weekends, although we try to limit this by pooling resources/duties within the lab so that responsibilities are shared.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Regular catch-up meetings (e.g., 1-2 per month) with additional in-person meetings between student and second supervisor for guidance on computational aspects of the project (frequency will depend on need).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I have an open door policy and keep weekly 1-to-1 meeting slots in my diary with group members – these are intended to be informal so that a meeting slot is always available should lab members need/want to talk about research or personal matters, or can be postponed if that works better for the researcher's experimental plans for the day. I do not generally send emails outside of working hours, and would not expect a response until at least the next available working day. The lab has a WhatsApp messaging group which is used sparingly for updates on meeting timings and lab-related issues. This may occasionally lead to weekend/evening messaging between the group if e.g., a reagent cannot be found. Joining this group is optional.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day to day research training and support will initially be provided directly by me alongside local research technicians who can be contacted for support if I am not available. In time, dependent on grant success it is hoped to have at least one postdoctoral researcher and a research-specific technician to support ongoing training and experimental support.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have joint weekly meetings with both the Animal Welfare and Behaviour (AWB) group and the Infection, Inflammation and immunotherapy (I3) groups. The laboratories at Langford are shared spaces with communal equipment bays which all lab-based PhD students use.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a month; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) on a Monday to Friday and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some early morning/evening/weekend working but this will be kept to a minimum and time of in lieu offered.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: There will be a meeting with both supervisors at least once every three months to provide updates and discuss project obstacles/progress. Student will spend time in the second supervisors research group for rotation 2 and may also spend time in second supervisors research group at other relevant stages of the project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. Meetings will generally be arranged in advance, but the student is welcome to drop in if my door is open. I work on site Mon-Thurs and works remotely from home on a Friday. I may contact the student outside their working hours but will not expect a response outside working hours, as clearly stated on her e-mail.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be primarily trained by me and Dr John Fennell, while other co-supervisors will support you with their relevant animal systems. We will provide day-to-day experimental support, and I will help with any potential field work. You will be working next to several other PhD students, all working on machine learning, who will be able to provide you with further computational and analytical support.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Beyond our weekly group meeting, you will be encouraged to attend CamoLab meetings (happening weekly), Animal Welfare & Behaviour meetings (happening weekly), and a quarterly meeting with the John Oldacre Centre AI group. We exist in an ecosystem of several labs working closely together and you will be able to choose the frequency of attending any other group meetings (so you get a chance to do some work beyond sitting on meetings!).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): While generally flexible, at least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature doing animal research, there may be some weekend and evening working. We are a flexible team and able to accommodate several working styles.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The main and second supervisor runs the lab together and therefore he will be present on most research group meetings and available for continuous support.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail and phone every day. I can have odd working hours, but will generally reply within 24 hours or sooner if urgent. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will initially be trained by the supervisors, and day-to-day support will be provided by senior PhD students of postdocs in their groups.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: You will meet regularly with the supervisory team, as well as with students in the EngBio CDT, and other student doing EngBio research in Bristol (e.g. group of Prof T. Gorochowski).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours, there can be flexibility.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Tries to make most of weekly meetings, spend time in her lab as needed.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I have odd working hours but there will be a member of the team you can e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be initially trained and further supervised in the lab by me and other members of the lab.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a join weekly lab meeting with Piggins lab focusing on circadian neuroscience. There is an opportunity to be physically based in Piggins and Ellacott lab undertaking aspects of the PhD aligned with their research area.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Within working hours (9-5), but flexible depending on experiments. There might be some out of our work due to circadian experimental design, but this can be planned ahead.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 2-3 months, student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Always welcome to drop in if my door is open.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided:In the first year the student will undertake two rotation projects. In RP1, the student will be trained by the lead supervisor in specific techniques associated with exploring how antibiotics alter and impact bacterial membrane properties. The student will be trained in basic and advanced microbiological techniques by both the lead supervisor, PDRA and PhD students in the group who are competent in those skills. Detailed training plans will be drafted and agreed on by all lab members to facilitate high quality training.
In RP2, the student will join the ED group and will be trained by the second supervisor in growing B subtilis bacteria and using fluorescence microscopy to visualise changes in protein localisation as a direct response to antibiotic treatment. Here the student will be trained by the second supervisor and PDRA and PhD students that are competent in these skills, adhering to an agreed training plan. The main point of contact will the the main and second supervisor, who are routinely in the lab and both have an open door policy to facilitate direct engagement with the student, facilitating skills development and confidence building in the lab.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Laabei group has frequent research interactions with other members of the Infection and Immunity Group at the CMM, Bristol including PhD students, PDRAs and research assistants based in the Massey (Laabei and Massey have a joint SWbio DTP PhD student), Spencer, Avison and Hill group located in close proximity to the Laabei group and Nobbs group at the Bristol Dental School (Laabei and Nobbs have a joint GW4 MRC DTP PhD student). The Laabei group also collaborates with the Neutrophil biology group (Amulic) and oncology group (Koh; Laabei and Koh have a joint GW4 MRC DTP PhD student starting 2024). In addition, I collaborate and have joint PhD students with Lovell (Life Sciences; joint SWBioDTP student starting 2024)), Estrela (Electronic Engineering; PhD student funded by the Turkish Government), and Jenkins (Chemistry; Marie Curie PhD student) groups at Bath, with collaborations focus on developing anti-infective treatments and bacterial diagnostics. Accordingly there is a broad interdisciplinary research network and significant critical mass in terms of research personnel, technical skills and research equipment that is available to the PhD student, in addition to the ability to attend joint group meetings relevant to their research.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The expected working pattern will include attendance in person during the core hours of 10-4, however we will work with the student to develop a flexible working schedule if required. However the overall expectations for a molecular biology PhD will be a 37.5 h week, (i.e. 9-5, Monday – Friday) where depending on the experiments and outputs some limited weekend working may be required however we do not have weekend work as standard. Due to the nature of the project, some experiments will take longer and may require some evening work. There is possibility to work from home when tasks are solely computer based.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Emma Denham will be closely involved in the project throughout the duration of the PhD. The student will spend 5 months in the Denham group at Bath, learning specific skills in B. subtilis cultivation and genetic manipulations as well as fluorescence microscopy and data analysis. However after RP2 the student will also be able to spend time in the Denham group as facilitated by the proximity of Bath and Bristol institutes where the student can avail of the opportunities at both Universities. During the RP2, the student will see the supervisor at least once a week; going forward we will have progress meetings with the second supervisor every two-three weeks, as is standard practice in the Laabei group with respect to joint PhD supervision.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to email every day however after 6pm and weekend I would suggest that if it is not an emergency to use 'schedule send' so that the email arrives on the next working day morning; the same pattern of emailing is employed by the supervisors and other lab members. My office door is generally open and I welcome students to come and talk to me, however I may be unavailable and so it is better to email in advance, when possible, to organise a meeting. Meetings are generally help in person but can be held on-line when appropriate. I try to engage and speak informally with all lab members every day.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day-to-day training and support would be provided by the supervisory team and post-docs within the group. The primary supervisor would always be the main point of contact. Lab work is undertaken in a team environment and often as a joint team between Universities.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once per week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a joint weekly journal club with The Camouflage research group at Friday lunchtime. This encompasses students from both Biological Sciences and the School of Psychological Sciences at Bristol.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core hours (10-4) are expected and other times can be managed. Due to the nature of the fieldwork, there may be some weekend and evening work. Also if the PhD student had interests in nocturnal light environments, there would be night-time work.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The primary and secondary supervisors Universities are about 3 hours drive apart. We will have monthly online meetings and in-person meetings twice a year. We both will be present during fieldwork.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I operate an open-door policy and will see anyone if I'm free. My regular hours are 5 days a week on campus and I am normally in from 8am till 5pm. I am currently the Head of Biological Sciences, and with that comes extra administrative responsibilities which means I am quite often in meetings. However, the post-docs and research fellows in the group are always around as well to help with day to day working.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and I will be in the lab regularly so will be your day-to-day point of contact. You will work in a shared lab with six other plant science groups, including Prof Kerry Franklin's, so there will substantial expertise available for additional training and support when I am not in the lab. The group of Dr Martin de Kauwe will provide additional training on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence systems.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: You will have the opportunity to frequently interact with the groups of Prof Kerry Franklin and Dr Martin de Kauwe through lab meetings and journal clubs. The lab space is shared with six other planet science research groups (Kerry Franklin, Jim Fouracre, Claire Grierson, Jill Harrison, Imogen Sparkes, Ashley Pridgeon).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Working pattern can be flexible, but core hours (10-4) would facilitate training and interactions with other lab members. Some experiments such as time-courses may require occasional out of hours working at evenings or weekends.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will be supervised by the second supervisor in their second rotation project and both supervisors will meet every two months to review progress.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I usually work in the Life Sciences Building Monday – Friday and am happy to meet if my door is open, it would be useful to schedule longer meetings in advance. I check emails every weekday except when on leave and aim to reply within 48 hrs. I may email outside of working hours but do not expect responses then.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training in basic safety and running of the labs will be provided by dedicated floor technical staff. Following this the student will be taught the specifics of working in the lab both by Paul Verkade and the technical experts in his lab. In addition, dedicated training on the microscopes will be provided by the staff of the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility. Daily supervision will be provide by the technical experts in the group and where required (e.g. molecular biology, not currently planned) a post-doc experienced with molecular biology will be able to support the student.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 3
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Besides the weekly Verkade group meetings the student will be encouraged teenage with the labs and group meetings organised by the Schaffitzel and Davidson groups. In addition, monthly meetings will be organised for all students, PDRAs and PIs participating in the SARS-CoV-2 project in the teams of Verkade, Schaffitzel, Davidson, Berger and Mulholland.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The student is expected to largely work within the core hours although there is flexibility depending on availability of instruments which may require out of hours, e.g. microscopes. Also virus and cell culture may require flexible working hours, including some time during the weekend. This will always be arranged in discussion with the student and the load of this will be shared with other members of the group.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: We will organise monthly meetings between the student and Paul Verkade, Christiane Schaffitzel, and Andrew Davidson to discuss progress and direction of the project. Additional ad-hoc meetings with our collaborators (Imre Berger and Thom Sharp) will also be arranged to keep them informed and to help the student with specific technical issues.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am generally available in my office and have an open door policy for people to come in and ask questions or brief discussions. Should it require a longer meeting, again a brief drop by my office or an email to schedule a date and time will be the easiest way to arrange this. Although I regularly check and reply to emails I don't expect others to do the same and respect their right of time-off work. I will occasionally also completely "shut down" over the weekend which I believe is a healthy thing to do.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me alongside Professor Keara Franklin’s group member. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by me and a PDRA in Professor Keara Franklin's group will be available to support training.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: My lab (Lab #321) shares space with Dr Bailey’s lab, which focuses on Fungal Molecular Genetics, Fungal Genomics, Plant Pathology (including Fungi and Viruses), and Fungicide Research. This arrangement allows for daily interactions and collaborations with researchers in these complementary fields. Professor Franklin’s lab (Lab #324) is situated in a shared environment with other labs specializing in plant development, molecular biology, and signalling, providing ample opportunities for daily engagement with these areas. Additionally, you will have the chance to interact with other research groups in the Plant Sciences, Evolution, and Ecology themes through informal meetings and seminars across the School of Biological Sciences, fostering a rich collaborative atmosphere.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 2 months, student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group (Rotation 2).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours, but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training will initially be provided by me as main supervisor. Following this, support will be provided by existing PhD students within the group, and potentially by any incoming PDRA. RC will act as a primary point of contact throughout the PhD program.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 3
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The students will regularly meet with the Mundell, Kelly, and Henderson labs as part of a weekly journal club, as well as being physically located in a shared office.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): No major expectations in terms of working patterns, or remote/in person. The main thing will be attendance of lab meeting and journal clubs, as well as 1-to-1s which will be arranged at a time/date based on the student's preference (within reason).
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Provides expert knowledge on how PIP modulation of potassium channel function can be assessed experimentally. Second supervisor will meet every 2 weeks throughout PhD and will provide focussed and regular supervision when student is engaged in experimental components of the project. Student will also benefit from day to day supervision in the lab from expert senior research associates (senior postdoctoral researchers) who have many years of experience of investigating potassium ion channel function by path-clamp electrophysiology.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available on email around the clock. Available in the office most days and online all days. Meetings can be ad hoc (depending on availability) or arranged in advance (preferable).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training is initial provided as a mix of hands-on work with the PI and other members of the research team, as well as self-guided learning that will be agreed upon starting the PhD project. Day-to-day support is provided by all members of the lab and the PI is available via arranged meetings or email and other online messaging platforms (if urgent).
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The main supervisor works closely with the Marucci and Grierson labs on whole cell modelling and interactions may be possible if the project moves in that direction.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; mixture of virtual and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10–4) and other times to be managed around this.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: It is expected that there will be meetings with both supervisors each month and for the student to carry out placements in the second supervisors lab. This will be possible due to the ease of travel between Bristol and Bath.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The main supervisor is available to email everyday and if his door is open is happy to have an in person discussion.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Students will initially be trained by Dr Sion Bayliss and other members of the supervisory team in various key research skills and ways of working. Further day-to-day support will be provided by relevant members of the supervisory team, group postdocs (e.g. Dr Helen Howshall) and other postgraduate students across the supervisory team.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 4
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Dr Sion Bayliss’s group holds a monthly in-person meeting where all members are encouraged to present their recent work for constructive feedback and ideation. This meeting covers a range of lab-based and computer/data science projects around the core theme of bacterial genomics and gastrointestinal disease. Additionally, there are weekly and bi-weekly meetings as part of various shared interest networks within the Bristol Veterinary School. These include weekly Farm Animal Discussion Group meetings, bi-weekly Infection, Inflammation, and Immunotherapy meetings, and monthly Genomics Group meetings. There are also opportunities to attend other group meetings, with which we maintain strong collaborative ties, when beneficial. These include the Health Data Science group meetings of Prof Andrew Dowsey, University of Bristol (https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/andrew-dowsey), the group meetings of Dr Lauren Cowley, University of Bath (https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/lauren-cowley) and the JUNIPER consortia (affiliated with EBP), a collaborative network of researchers from across the UK who work at the interface between mathematical modelling, infectious disease control and public health policy. There is also the opportunity to be based in a shared working space with other students, postdocs, and academics aligned with the project’s research area.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Ideally within core hours (10-4) to align with others’ availability and promote a shared research culture. Other working patterns should be managed around core hours where possible. Due to the nature of the computer-based research, there may be flexibility on an individual basis and due to the nature of research, there may be some weekend and evening working, however we encourage students to maintain a healthy work-life balance wherever possible.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor, Dr Sion Bayliss, will provide the majority of the day-to-day supervision for the student, due to the strong alignment of the project with his group’s specialist skillset and to benefit his professional development as an ECR. Practically, this means the student will meet with Dr Bayliss each week, with Dr Cogan in attendance. The student will also be invited to Dr Bayliss’s group meetings, which take place regularly online (weekly) and in person (monthly), to share their progress updates. Both the main supervisor, Dr Tristan Cogan, and the second supervisor, Dr Sion Bayliss, have strong group ties, maintaining a shared PDRA (Helen Howshall). As a result, many group meetings will include members of both groups, should there be shared research interests or additional support and guidance that could be provided by either party.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Both Main and Second supervisors are available to e-mail every day. Most communication will be inside of working hours unless required for work or during an emergency. We do not expect responses outside working hours. In-person and online meetings will need to be arranged in advance but can be arranged on short notice. Students are welcome to drop in to Dr Bayliss’s office if his door is open, but we encourage a meeting to be arranged first due to high numbers of meetings during the average work day.