Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Myself alongside a postdoctoral researcher and current doctoral students will train you in protein engineering. Day-to-day experimental support will be provided by the postdoctoral researcher and be your main point of contact on a daily basis. There will be opportunities to learn additional relevant techniques from colleagues in adjacent labs in a highly collaborative, open-plan, environment within the host institute. Additional skills including presentations, critical analysis, experimental design, core compute skills, and writing will be provided by myself and co-supervisors.

Supervision style: Directive support: D / 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: Dr Menzies and I share office and lab space with 4 other research groups working on protein biochemistry, including structural modelling and protein engineering. The researchers informally meet with each other and support each other with an excellent community ethos. Dr Menzies (with myself being an active member) runs the Cardiff University Dynamic Structural Sciences and Biophysical Network (CUDSSBN) where researchers from across the university meet once a month and present their latest researcher. The student will attend these meetings and have a chance to present their work. The student will also attend the School of Biosciences internal seminar series that attracts international renowned speaker from around the world. The student will also be able to spend some of their PhD in London working in the research group of a collaborator in Queen Mary University (Prof Matteo Palma).

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): Working requirement are at least within the core hours of 10am to 4pm and other time managed around this. General lab duties are undertaken as part of a rota system with other members of the lab area. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Both supervisors are located close to each other so the student will be interacting with both on a regular basis throughout their PhD. The student will be trained directly by Dr Georgina Menzies in computational modelling approaches. The student will meet with Dr Menzies as part her formal group meeting once a week and informally more frequently if required. The student will have a biweekly meeting with both supervisors.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: The supervisors are available via email every day. There are also group and individual WhatsApp chats through which the supervisors and research group can be contacted. We may contact you outside of working hours but do not expect responses outside working hours. Formal meetings will need to be arranged in advance but the supervisors have an “open-door” policy and welcome students and colleagues to drop by at any time.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by both myself and my research fellows Hannah Best and Sophie Cook. Hannah will be your day to day contact, but support for anything is available from my whole research group. My door is always open.

Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 4

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: Beyond Prof Colin Berry and my groups, the student will have access to the wider MDI environment (with monthly joint chemistry/biology team meetings and quarterly institute away days), the protein structural biology network at Cardiff and to networking events between MDI and NMHII and DRI.

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 (but with flexibility depending on experiments etc) of 10-4, other time requirements like reading, analysis etc managed around this. Rota work within the ELE lab and MDI is minimal but necessary (e.g. filling of LN2 cell bank). Minimal amount of out of hours work, occasional need to come in to check on fish health and wellbeing but this is also on a rota.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will be an active part of the research group, attending all lab meetings and conducting much of the molecualr biology in that research group. The second supervisor also attends some my lab group meetings.

Notice needed for feedback (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: E-mail every day, in person 4/5 days per week, there is always a lab member available when needed. I do occasionally contact out of hours, but expect no response and make this clear. Meetings mostly arranged in advance (preferable) but if free I can also meet ad hoc as necessary, the door is almost always open.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be assigned a senior PhD student or postdoc to provide day-to-day mentorship in the lab. In addition, you will receive specialist training in the techniques required for the project by senior PGR students, postdocs or experimental officers who are experts in the techniques.

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: Often we share the weekly meetings with Dr Louis Luk’s research group, which provides exposure to a broader perspective on science. We are also part of the Cardiff University Dynamic Structural Science and Biophysics Network (CUDSSBN), and all members of my group are encouraged to participate in CUDSSBN meetings by attendance and presenting posters/talks, and will be immersed in a network of researchers spanning 4 Schools within the university.

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): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. We encourage students to work efficiently and not work in the evenings and on weekends. However, we also acknowledge that projects, and indeed the entire PhD, is time critical, and therefore you might require working longer hours at times to achieve your aims.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Monthly meetings between whole supervisory team (online), integration into Dr Gold weekly lab meetings (hybrid). Rotation project in Dr Gold’s lab at start of your project to integrate into research group and learn techniques, and a subsequent 2-month visit during the PhD to diversity your skill set.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: Email available every working day (Mon-Fri) apart from when we are on annual leave. We may contact you outside of working hours, but we do not expect responses outside working hours. Ideally, meetings that require extended discussion will need to be arranged in advance, but for short enquiries we welcome you to drop by our offices, in addition to informal conversations when we visit your lab or office.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me. Further day-to-day experimental support will be provided by other lab members (postdocs, senior PhD students) and the MDI biology lab manager depending on expertise in the techniques to be learned. These lab members will be your main daily contacts in the lab, but I will be available in person or by email, and will be your main contact for experimental planning.

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: We have weekly joint meetings with the Lloyd-Evans research group, and there will be the opportunity to be physically based there when undertaking aspects of your PhD that concern lipid biochemistry. You will be able to attend group meetings of the Syed research group, and will be based in their lab for organoid work. My group shares lab space with the Atack, Ward and Bax research groups, with opportunities for sharing expertise.

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): As and when needed to complete experimental work. This would generally be at least within core hours (10-4) with other time managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there will be some weekend, early morning (7am) and evening working.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Full supervisory team meetings every 2 months. The student will spend some time during the PhD with the second supervisor's research group.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: Available to email every day. In person or virtual meetings should be arranged in advance. You are welcome to drop into my office if my door is open, but unless the query is very brief, I would prefer to arrange a meeting first, even if this is for later the same day. I sometimes work odd hours, and may email you outside of normal working hours. I do not expect a response outside working hours.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me alongside other lab members. Further day-to-day experimental support will be provided by myself and I will be your main point of contact. You will also be able to visit the labs of other members of the supervisory team to be trained by them in topics more directly relevant to their expertise. A PhD student in the lab will be allocated as your peer mentor and able to provide support and guidance on any relevant issues that may arise. We hold lab meetings regularly (every 2 weeks) to discuss everything from project ideas, protocol development, and results through to practice presentations and any other issues that have arisen in the lab in a supportive environment.

Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 4

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 have the opportunity for frequent online interactions with the labs of non-Cardiff supervisors, including the Research Rehabilitation Group within the School of Health Professions at University of Plymouth and the Brain Research Imaging Centre at University of Plymouth. There are regular PGR seminars within the School of Healthcare Sciences that will allow you to interact with PhD students from a range of backgrounds and disciplines.

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): At least within core hours (10-3) and other time to be managed around this.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting with all supervisors every 3 months, and with individual supervisors as needed depending on the stage of the project and the expertise of each supervisor. Student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: Available to e-mail every working day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings are typically arranged in advance but I'm happy to meet with no notice if I'm available. You are always welcome to send me a message on Teams or drop in to my office if my door is open.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be provided with training by each member of the supervisory team. I will train you in agent-based modelling and design of the field and lab work, with support from past PhD student Dr Daniel McDowell. Two other PhD students work regularly with the modelling package and will provide additional peer support. FW will train you in the construction and analysis of ecological networks, including how to translate findings into management decision information and tools. Mark Eisler will provide advice and support to the student regarding the veterinary epidemiological and parasitological aspects of the project and also access to farmers through the University of Bristol Veterinary School’s farm animal practice and also fresh specimens of adult Fasciola hepatica from cattle slaughtered at the University of Bristol Langford Abattoir. Contact with the Main supervisor will be through weekly research group meetings and weekly to fortnightly (depending on the stage of the PhD) one-to-one meetings. You will also have regular meetings with the other members of the supervisory including monthly meetings with Prof Mark Eisler (or more frequently as circumstances require, e.g. during the project establishment phase) and bi-monthly meetings with Dr Fredric Windsor.

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: Our group has a joint research group meeting each week with students and employees of Dr Sarah Perkins (a wildlife ecologist). You will also regularly interact with the research team of Second local supervisor Dr Fredric Windsor. At regular points (approx 6 monthly) throughout the PhD you will visit Bristol to interact with your second supervisor and his research team.

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 will depend on the activity being undertaken. Laboratory work will normally take place between 9am and 5pm but may sometimes require longer days that will be compensated for by flexible time elsewhere, some weekend work may be necessary during experimental periods. Field work will normally require sampling over the course of one to two days in a week and will occur at regular intervals (e.g. monthly) this will require flexibility around the access times permitted by farmers but will always be during daylight hours. Mathematical modelling work, network and statistical analyses and writing and literature research time is flexible and can be undertaken at any time provided the hourly equivalent of full days are spent on this. These activities will also allow for home working at times. Attendance at the weekly research group meeting will normally be expected.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Following an initial in person meeting with all other supervisors, thereafter meetings will be monthly but mainly online using MS Teams, with in-person meetings jointly with Cardiff supervisors at approximately 6-monthly intervals. Will help the student set up the field aspects of the work as detailed above.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: The student can contact the lead supervisor at any point by email excepting when the supervisor is on leave. Often a response will be provided within a few hours but in very busy periods a response might take a day (rarely two days). Due to caring responsibilities there are points in the day that are less likely to receive a rapid response, (i.e. school preparation and drop off and pick up times and early evening). While the supervisor works outside office hours it will not normally be expected that the student respond outside of these hours excepting emergencies or pre-agreed times. Outside of the scheduled weekly meetings, in person meetings may require a longer lead in time to set up due to teaching and other commitments but online meetings will usually be available within a day or two. When I am in the office I am happy for you to drop by provided I am not with someone or on a call.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by myself and second supervisor alongside other PG students in our groups. I will be your main point of contact on a daily basis for day-to-day experimental support.

Supervision style: Directive support: C / 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 be in the same physical location and frequently interact with the Berry and Jones labs (biochemistry/biophysics). The student will also join the Cardiff University Dynamics, Structural Sciences and Biophysics Network and attend research meetings every 2 months.

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): 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 undertake Rotation Project 1 with second supervisor, student to attend weekly lab meetings with second supervisor.

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. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but meetings can also be arranged in advance.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training and support will be provided by myself. Initially working closely with student for their first 3-6 months to ensure they are able to develop their computational skills to the necessary level.

Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7

How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a month

Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will be involved in interacting with lab members from both supervisors laboratories. In addition, there is a strong fly community at Cardiff University and the student will be encouraged to become actively involved in their meetings etc.

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 from 10-2 and other time to be managed around this given the students needs and requirements. This is to ensure physical overlap between members of the group to encourage communication, training and collaboration. WFH is acceptable, but preferred as the exception rather than the rule.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Second supervisor will be routinely available. Meetings with both supervisors will be arranged as needed – becoming more frequent during interpretation / analysis of in vivo data.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: Available for e-mail every day. Contactable via teams. I tend to work strange hours depending on personal and professional demands as such I may contact outside of working hours however a response is not required. Generally try to keep afternoons clear for impromptu meetings and discussion – i.e. open door policy. However restrictions on meetings/discussions in the morning.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will work within my research team in based within the UK Dementia Research Insitute at Cardiff University. The UKDRI labs have a dedicate Drosophila facility including wider research in HD, dementia and relevant glia biology. Day to day supervision will be supported by me, research technicians and other members within the team. Dr Michael Taylor's group is based in Cardiff University School of Biosciences, providing additional access to Drosophila research facilities and wide range of invertabrate research techniques including imaging and electrophysiology.

Supervision style: Directive support: B / 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 Michael Taylor and Dr Wynand van der Goes Van Naters and I attend joint weekly Drosophila research meetings in School of Biosciences, including contribution from all fly labs in Cardiff University. My lab shares Drosophila lab space with Dr Gaynor Smith in the UKDRI and holds weekly shared lab meetings.

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; in person.

Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Students required to work within core hours to facilitate efficient managements of invertabrate experiments. Due to nature of work there may be some weekend and evening working. Flexible approach to working offsite when this can be achieved around fly work. My research team is highly collaborative and supportive of projects within the lab, for example where large experiments may require help from other members of the team, technical support and assistance from other students/staff is available.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project:The student will routinely meet with the second supervisor. They will receive technical training, discuss experimental design and project background, perform experiments and analyse data in the Dr Michael Taylor's lab. Dr Michael Taylor and Dr Wynand van der Goes Van Naters and I attend a weekly fly meeting, where ECRs present their data and discuss research papers, providing the student another regular opportunity to discuss work with the project team. The co-I team will meet regularly to discuss progress of the project with the student.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks

Communication: Co-supervisors all available by email every day. A schedule of routine weekly meetings is set for students. I work both on site and off site. When working on site, I have an open door policy and routinely holds informal meetings with students to discuss day to day aspects of their project, input with experiments etc. When off site, all students have access to OP via phone/Teams/Zoom/WhatsApp.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Primary supervisor is still research and lab active. Initial training and supervision will be performed by primary supervisor and lab members. I will be the main point of contact on a daily basis.

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: We have alternating weekly lab meetings and journal clubs between the supervisors groups, with guest speakers also invited to talk. We also have weekly lab meetings with the Biophysics lab group exposing you to cutting edge research of optical methods. We have links in to the drosophila research community and are welcome at their regular meetings. The molecular Biosciences Division holds a monthly meeting allowing you to engage with other members of the department.

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): Working pattern is flexible and dictated by the work being performed, equipment availability and sample sensitivity. We often work with live cells that need to be observed throughout the experiment. I like my research group to feel that the lab is a comfortable place to work, and so we define working patterns for each individual student and project.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Student will be embedded across both research groups. Supervisors have worked successfully together for nearly 20 years, publishing their first paper together in 2005. We have joint lab meetings every week (journal club and data presentation). Meeting with both supervisors every 2 weeks.

Notice needed for feedback (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week

Communication: Both supervisors are on site every weekday and prefer to work from the office rather than from at home. Available by email every day for rapid responses when in other meetings. Open door policy and I actively encourage open discussion of experimental process and techniques as they are ongoing.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided:

Main supervisor lab: The student will receive experimental training and day-to-day lab support from Jurkowska’s senior postdoc Dr Stephanie Pohl, who is very experienced in cell culture, tissue processing and cellular assays and other PhD students in the lab (Phoebe Ross, Petar Popov), who use similar cellular and molecular biology techniques. Further support on the project planning and data analysis will be provided by Dr Jurkowska in individual meetings. The student will also attend weekly lab meetings, weekly individual technical meetings with Dr Jurkowska and joined bi-weekly meetings with Prof Borri, Dr Masia and Dr Jurkowska.

Second supervisor lab: The student will receive experimental training and day-to-day lab support by Borri’s senior postdoc and lab manager Dr Iestyn Pope. Further day-to-day support on image data analysis will be provided by Prof Borri and Dr Masia alongside other PhD students in Borri’s lab using similar software. The student will also attend weekly individual technical meetings with Profs Borri and Dr Masia, and will participate to fortnightly lab meetings.

Third supervisor lab: The student will receive further training by Dr Masia in using the analysis software, including pre-processing and multivariate analysis. Other lab members in Prof Borri’s group are using the same software and can provide day-to-day support. Dr Masia will support the development of new algorithms if required.

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: Borri’s lab has joint “Biophotonics and Quantum Optoelectronics” lab meetings with the Langbein group at the physics-life sciences interface, with lab members in the School of Physics and Astronomy and Biosciences coming together and presenting their research. Watson’s and Masia’s research groups in Biosciences also join, with a focus on bioimaging and biosensing respectively. Jurkowska’s lab also meets with Hogan’s, Jone’s and Hamaratoglu Dion’s groups in Biosciences focusing on tissue repair and regeneration across different model systems (Drosophila, plants, mammals). Hence, the student will be exposed to interdisciplinary networks and be able to draw on specific technical expertise and knowledge from various experts in Cardiff.

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): 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 work. Flexible arrangements will be made if required. Some rota work with other members of the research groups will be established if experiments require consecutive weekend work.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will join the technical meetings with the student and the main supervisor every two weeks. The student will spend time in the second supervisor lab during the 2nd rotation project, and as required during the PhD to learn the basics of coherent Raman scattering microscopy, use the CRS multiphoton microscope to carry out the required experiments, and perform the associated quantitative image/data analysis. The student will receive experimental training and lab support from Borri’s senior postdoc and lab manager Dr Iestyn Pope. Further support on image data analysis will be provided by Prof Borri alongside Dr Masia and other PhD students in Borri’s lab using similar software. Additional meetings will be arranged if further support is needed.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week

Communication: The supervisors can be contacted by email every day. Due to their work-life balance and working patterns, they may contact the student outside of working hours but do not expect a response outside working hours. It is preferable that meetings are arranged in advance, but both supervisors have an open-door policy enabling the students to come by or arrange meetings on short notice.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained in all aspects of laboratory benchwork by myself and my team members: post-doctoral researchers and senior PhD students. There will be opportunities to learn additional relevant techniques from colleagues in adjacent labs in a highly collaborative, open-plan, environment within the host institute. Additional skills including presentations, critical analysis, experimental design, core compute skills, and writing will be provided by myself and co-supervisors.

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 will have joint monthly meetings with the Jones group, attended frequently by Menzies and Watson. We hold weekly lab meetings jointly with Prof Smalley within ECSCRI. There is a weekly internal seminar series for all PhD and junior post-docs.

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): Normally within core hours (10-4) 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: Meeting with co-supervisors in joint meetings every month. Most of the lab bench time will be split between Clarkson and Jones laboratories. Some time spent with Watson and Menzies when experiments required.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: I am available to contact by email every day. I make every effort to notify the team of my whereabouts and contact details. I am predominantly located in my office in ECSCRI and exercise and 'open-door' policy at all time. I welcome students and colleagues to drop in any time for a chat. One day a week I am based at the University Hospital at Heath Park.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained in a shared lab where both supervisors conduct their research, along several PhD students and postdocs. the initial Training will be provided by the supervisors, who will be main point of contact Throughout the studentship, and other members of the supervisory team as needed. You will have weekly meetings with Dr Scofield, Dr Lechon, and other plant scientists. in addition, there will be one-to-one meetings with your supervisors once a fortnight.

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: Shared lab and office area in plant science lab with five different molecular biology groups (Dr Simon Scofield, Prof Jim Murray, Dr Tamara Lechon, Dr Walter Dewitte, Dr Angharad Jones)
-opportunities to visit and Use equipment in genomics research Hub and plant Groeth technology Hub At the School of biosciences
- joint monthly meetings with Cardiff Plants @ science community, encompassing all plant scientists At Cardiff University
- monthly Cardiff molecular biosciences divisional meetings, where postgraduate students and members of staff who belong to the molecular biosciences division in the School present their research
- monthly data science coffee meetings, where Cardiff bioscience data scientists meet and informally discuss their ongoing 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; mixture of virtually and in person.

Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We offer flexibility in working hours, but encourage students to work during core hours. This ensures that the student can benefit from working alongside other members of the lab. We expect the student to attend lab meetings and divisional seminars where possible. Working outside of normal hours will sometimes be required due to the nature of time-course experiments or long protocols. We ensure that students maintain a good work-life balance.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Both academics supervisors will supervise the student jointly and offer their expertise where relevant. The second supervisor will be responsible for training the student in bioinformatics and numerical analysis, and is available on-site during core hours to meet with the student.

Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks

Communication: Available in person and online, via e-mail or Zoom, during core working hours and also happy to receive calls outside of working hours or while on annual leave.
Usually available from 9am to 6pm. Welcome to drop in to the office anytime for a brief meeting or general discussion, as long as the supervisor is not already in a meeting. Longer talks might require arranging a meeting beforehand.

Research Group website >>

How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will receive initial training from both, myself and the PDRA employed on the BBSRC project. The PDRA will provide ongoing day-to-day technical and experimental support, while we will both remain your primary points of contact. Additional training in low-input multi-omic techniques will be provided by Dr Jurkowska and her research team, offering specialized expertise. For bioinformatic data analysis, you will be supported by Prof Kille, a leading expert in this field, ensuring comprehensive guidance in both experimental and computational aspects of the project.

Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7

How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week; mixture of virtually and in person.

Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We will hold joint bi-weekly meetings with Dr Renata Jurkowska's lab, and share lab space with Prof Kille's group, providing regular opportunities to collaborate and interact with other PhD students, PDRAs, and technicians, fostering a supportive and dynamic research environment.

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

Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) 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 work. Flexible arrangements will be made when required.

How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Jurkowska is a specialist in low-input epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis of tissue samples. She and her team will offer expert guidance in sequencing techniques. Our biweekly meetings will also provide opportunities to engage with other research projects within both groups, fostering collaboration. The first mini-project will be conducted in Dr Jurkowska's lab, offering additional hands-on technical training.

Notice needed for feedback (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week

Communication:I am available by email every day, including weekends, though my working hours may be irregular due to other commitments and travel. A team member will also be available for daily email support. While I may contact you outside of standard working hours, responses are not expected outside these times. You are welcome to drop by if my door is open, but for more substantial discussions, it’s best to schedule a meeting in advance.