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.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided:At the University of Exeter, you will initially be trained by me alongside our postgraduate research fellow. Day-to-day bioinformatics and experimental support will be provided by our postgraduate research fellow who will your main point of contact on a daily basis. At the University of Bristol, experimental support will be provided by Prof James Uney alongside their local research assistant, and Prof James Uney will be your main point of contact on a daily basis there.
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 a biweekly Complex Disease Epigenomics Group lab meeting gathering research teams of seven PIs (well over 30 people) during which we share progress and discuss any problems related to various epigenetic projects. The student will also benefit from interactions with a number of experts working in genomics in the RILD building, including Prof Michael Weedon, and will have an opportunity to attend selected lab meetings. The student will also interact with interdisciplinary scientists in the Living Systems Institute, and will have an opportunity to be physically based in their group when undertaking aspects of 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; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The student will be expected to work within core hours (10-4) with other time to be managed around this.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will meet with both supervisors at least every two months. The second rotation will be held in the second supervisor's (Prof Katie Lunnon) research group. The student will regularly spend time during their PhD with second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: I will be available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours due to childcare commitments but will not expect your responses outside working hours. Weekly meetings with myself, and bimonthly meeting with myself and the Second Supervisor will be arranged in advance. I welcome you to drop in if my door is open. Prof James Uney (supervisor in Bristol) will be available to e-mail daily and will held weekly meeting (arranged in advance) with you while you will be based in Bristol.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day to day laboratory training and support for experimental work will be provided by Dr Zhili Ren who will be your first point of contact. Additional laboratory support is available from the lab manager. For live cell imaging studies training and support will be provided by the Bioimaging Facility Experimental Officer. Training and support for image analysis and mathematical modelling will be provided by Dr Marc Goodfellow.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / 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: My group has a weekly lab meeting or Journal Club with Dr Guo's research group with whom we have several collaborative projects. This provides a forum for ongoing discussion and feedback and a broad base for problem-sharing and solving. Dr Goodfellow is part of a substantial mathematical biology community at Exeter who meet bi-weekly to discuss each other's research. LSI PhD students from all groups meet together in a monthly peer to peer seminar series.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Varies year to year as studentship progresses; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): In the laboratory at least within core hours (10-4) and typically longer due to the requirements of stem cell culture. There will be some weekend and evening working for stem cell maintenance. Stages of the project will be mainly computer based in a quiet office or from home.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: They will join my group meetings throughout to provide input and shape the mathematical components. Dr Goodfellow will meet weekly 1-1 with the student in addition to this when the mathematical components are underway.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available by email every day but due to responsibilities as Institute Director may not always respond immediately. For the same reason meetings should be arranged in advance but urgent matters can generally be discussed directly in person. Dr Ren is available in person every day and will provide training and direct oversight for all wet lab experiments. Dr Goodfellow is available by email every day and in person weekly by appointment. Urgent matters can be discussed directly.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided:You will be trained by the three project supervisors and the project partners. Further day-to-day support to be provided by postdocs, PhD students and laboratory technicians in our groups.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / 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:In addition to weekly group meetings there is the opportunity to participate in joint group meetings on Disease Ecology and Evolution, Islet Biology Exeter (IBEx) meetings, and Diabetes and Metabolism group hybrid meetings, providing an opportunity to discuss with researchers across disciplines. There are also weekly PGR meetings to learn more about the research of your fellow PhD students at 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 a week
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Flexible working patterns. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working during in vivo experiments.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project:The student will be embedded in the main supervisor’s group, with extended research stays in the co-supervisors and project partners groups. Online meetings with the entire supervisory team and project partners at least every two months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 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 (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day to day training will be provided by first and second supervisors, along with members of their research groups.
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: Joint weekly lab meetings alternating with broader host-parasite/pathogen research groups on campus, and joint meetings with mine and Mark Hanson’s lab 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 a week; 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. 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: Weekly meeting with 2nd supervisors.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Can pop by my office or email for shorter questions/queries. Arrange meetings requiring longer discussion in advance. 2nd supervisor readily available to meet as required.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Your main supervisor will be myself, who will guide you through your PhD and will be your primary point of contact. To ensure your training and research progress, weekly 1:1 catch-up meeting will take place between you and myself. I also have an open-door policy and is approachable ad hoc. You will receive in-depth cryoEM training from the group's Experimental Officer Mathew McLaren and further training in FIB-SEM through the co-supervisor Verkade's Experimental Officer Judith Mantell. Additional advice will be given by collaborator James Gilchrist at the National Facility for cryoEM (eBIC) at Diamond Light Source.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / 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 student will become an integral part of the cryoEM "supergroup" within LSI, comprising the Daum, Gold, and Harmer research groups. This will not solely be facilitated through group meetings but will also by the deeply collaborative ethos shared by all members of these groups, who are co-located within the same research office premises. Presently, this supergroup encompasses four doctoral candidates, with an additional two set to join this September. The group's synergy extends beyond laboratory interactions. The group meets for regular group outings, and strong interpersonal bonds have formed among its members, who engage in social activities outside work. Moreover, the student will form ties with the students in the Smith and Verkade labs and become an active participant in the vibrant LSI PhD community, which organises frequent social gatherings. Additionally, an annual LSI PhD day serves as a platform for scientific exchange, not only amongst the PhD students, but also with postdocs and PIs. At the broader SWBio level, the student will have great opportunities to form networks and social connections with fellow PhD students across the wider GW4 community.
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 virtual and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): To foster a collaborative research environment, we encourage all PhD students and staff to adhere to the core working hours. The nature of the research will require some work in the evenings and at weekends. However, we strongly encourage our students and staff to maintain a healthy life-work balance.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: All Stem cell work will be supervised by Prof Austin Smith. Daily supervision and training in stem cell biology will be ensured through an Experiential Officer for Cell Culture, Francesca Carlisle. Throughout the entire project, the main supervisor (Daum), the second internal supervisor (Smith), and the external supervisor (Verkade) will meet with you monthly. The meetings will by default be held online and are intended to catch up on your learning and research progress. Project catch-ups between the student and their supervisory team (Daum, Smith and Verkade) will take place on a monthly basis. The student will give a brief project updates that will then be discussed by the team. This will guarantee that the student is continuously supported, that their training and research progress develops as projected, and that any issues will be addressed in a timely manner. To foster a closer interaction, we will hold biannual in person meetings, alternating between Exeter and Bristol.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: I will be available by email daily. During working days, I aim to respond within an hour of receiving the email. The student will also join a WhatsApp group, which is actively used by Exeter’s members of the cryoEM Supergroup and will be able to receive particularly swift response through this channel. The student may receive emails out of core working hours but will not be expected to respond outside core working ours. All meetings outside the regularly occurring ones will be arranged in advance, aiming for 1 weeks’ notice. I have an open-door policy, so all group members are welcome to drop in.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by the main supervisor on modelling and the evolution of insecticide resistance. Day-to-day support about modelling, bioinformatics and statistical analysis as well as conceptual problems is available from the main supervisor. Once the experimental work will start, you will be supported by Prof Bass and Prof Field through biweekly meetings. Their postdocs are a main point of contact on a daily basis. Moreover, we hold monthly meetings with the complete team of supervisors.
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: We have a biweekly joint meeting with 7 other groups in evolutionary and behavioural biology, which provides you with the opportunity to present results and and meet other PhD students with similar research interests. Dependent on your interests, you can also interact with groups working at the interface between mathematics and biology (e.g., Prof Mueller, Prof Townley) during biweekly meetings at the Environment and Sustainability Institute.
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): Dependent on the wishes of the students and the nature of the research, our lab adheres to flexible work patterns. However, we advise the student to be present during core hours as it facilitates interaction with colleagues. For the lab projects there may be a limited amount of weekend and evening working but maintaining a healthy work-life balance is central to our lab's philosophy.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: There are monthly meetings involving all supervisors and biweekly a meeting between the PhD student and the second supervisor. During the second rotation projects and during lab work, the student is expected to attend the lab meetings of Prof Bass' lab.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: We schedule weekly 1:1 and group meetings in advance. In addition, I have an open-door policy, so students can approach me during core hours without having to make an appointment. I am available to e-mail every day with a response time that is typically the same working day, but never more than two working days. I may send emails outside of office hours, but students are not expected to have to do the same.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be trained by me and I will provide day-to-day support. They will work alongside PhD students and postdocs working on related projects who will be able to provide technical assistance. In the future, there may be postdocs and technicians in my group who will also work alongside the student.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / 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: We will attend the joint meetings of the Westra and van Houte groups (weekly) and the student will present their work every ~3 months. They will also present at the Penryn Microbiology meetings and at the Department's postgrad student seminar series. The student will work in an open office and carry out experiments in an open plan lab, so will frequently interact with other students and postdocs.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Varies year to year as studentship progresses; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): I will strongly encourage the student to work core hours (10-4), so that they will overlap with other researchers and for safe working. At some stages of the project there may be weekend and evening work.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: We will meet monthly with the second and third supervisors, plus the student will frequently interact with the second supervisor at weekly group meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I will be available to email everyday and I will (mostly) be working on campus so the student is welcome to drop in to my office, for example to ask a quick question. We will have scheduled meetings (fortnightly) but can arrange additional meetings whenever needed.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will initially be trained by Dr Padfield alongside postdocs who have expert knowledge in experimental techniques. Day-to-day lab support will be provided by Dr Padfield, Dr Leonard, and the wider lab group of Professor Buckling. Statistical and bioinformatics training and help will be provided by Dr Padfield and Dr Feil, and mathematical modelling support will be provided by Dr Padfield, Dr Feil, and Dr Kuijper.
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: The wider Buckling lab – encompassing the groups of Dr Daniel Padfield, Professor Buckling, and Dr Elze Hesse, meet weekly to discuss lab issues, current work, and promote collaboration between groups, especially between PhD students and ECRs. There is also a weekly meeting of the groups of Dr Aimee Murray, Dr Anne Leonard, Dr Mick Vos, and Professor Will Gaze, that specialise in One Health approaches to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance. There are also ample opportunities to engage with PhD students and ECRs across the wider Centre of Ecology and Conservation (CEC). There are weekly PhD seminars when students present their work to the wider department, and a fortnightly Microbiology-specific seminar series to showcase the wide variety of microbial work that goes on at the campus.
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): We expect the student to treat the PhD like a job, working around 37.5 hours a week. If the student treats it like this then they will be very successful. There may be times during experimental work when weekend work and longer shifts are needed, and we would encourage the student to take extra time off during other times if this happens. A healthy work-life balance is essential to having a sustainable and happy PhD experience and longer-term research career.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: We will have joint weekly meetings with the student and the main and local second supervisor. This has proved successful in a previous collaboration between the main supervisor when he was a postdoc and supervising a third-year undergraduate research project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I will always be available on email and Microsoft Teams. I will be on campus approximately 70% of the time available for in-person meetings, help, and training. Caring responsibilities mean I have to self-isolate every few weeks so will only be available for virtual meetings at these times and when caring for my partner. However, the student will be embedded within the second supervisor’s lab group, and when I am away there will be other PhD students, postdocs, fellows, and the second supervisor available for in-person advice and help.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and the second supervisor. Day-to-day support will be provided by me, the second supervisor, the other co-supervisors, our postdoc and the four other PhD students in the group. I meet one-on-one with everyone in my group at least once per week to ensure suitable support is provided.
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: My group’s PhD students interact with several other groups including those of Austin Smith and Ge Guo (on embryogenesis), Alex Brand (on calcium in fungi) and Mike Deeks (on plant-fungi interaction). You will also have substantial interaction with the second supervisor’s group, including attending weekly group 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): During core hours (10am-4pm).
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: You will be fully part of both my group and that of the second supervisor. This will involve attending weekly group meetings of both groups and bi-weekly meetings between the three of us and the other two supervisors.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I am available almost every day and can normally find time to meet with any member of my group at short notice. I operate an open-door policy and, in addition to scheduled meetings, I am always happy to have ad-hoc meetings as the need arises.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided:Your initial training will come primarily from me as lead supervisor and I will continue to support throughout your studies with input from a post-doctoral researcher and more experienced PhD students in the lab group. I typically meet with my PhD students every week on a one-to-one basis and as a group. We also collaborate with the wider biomechanics and biomedical engineering research groups and share insights and expertise among us. Some technical support will also come from our dedicated departmental biomechanics lab technician. Your other supervisors will support your training in computational modelling and simulation methods, lending their expertise and input to ongoing development of this aspect of the work through regular meetings.
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: We hold quarterly meetings with the wider biomechanics group (4 lab groups) and encourage participation in departmental seminar sessions. We also meet on a more ad-hoc basis with other biomechanics research groups to discuss common areas of interest or technical approaches (e.g. how best to collect and process data with a particular piece of equipment or lab setup).
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): Meetings and most lab work are expected to take place within core hours (10-4), but any non-group work is generally flexible. Data collection does typically have to be scheduled around human participant and lab availability, leading to some weekend or early/late requirements.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Second and third supervisors will typically join supervisory meetings on at least every 2-3 months, but potentially more frequently during periods of specific activities. Supervisors will also provide opportunities for ad-hoc individual meetings if occasionally required.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: In a typical week I am on email and Microsoft teams during core hours. There is not normally any expectation of responses to emails sent outside of these hours. Meetings will be scheduled in calendars and optionally online or in-person to provide flexibility, but in-person generally preferred. Ad-hoc meetings or coffee breaks are generally welcomed if available.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be encouraged to discuss weekly with at least one supervisor their progress, problems, and plans for the week, and appropriate training sessions will be agreed in advance for required techniques and experiments. The student is also expected to attend EW's research group weekly meeting to share updates and information on their project and to learn about the experience and research of other team members. Support and training in animal husbandry is provided by technical staff from the Aquatic Resources Centre with training in microscopy being provided by technical staff from the University of Exeter's BioImaging Facility.
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 student will have the opportunity to join in person talks and discussion groups through the University of Exeter's Biosciences research themes, particularly the 'Dynamic Cellular Systems' and 'Healthy and Sustainable Environments' themes. The student will also be invited to attend and contribute to the weekly Biophysics seminars. The student would also gain industrial experience from interactions with Cairn Research with a view to commercialising the Multiscope.
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): Minimum of core hours, typically Monday to Friday. This is with some flexibility based on e.g. the need to prepare larvae several days ahead of imaging sessions, which may (if unavoidable) fall on a weekend. The EW lab works on a rota system which allocates two hours of marine invertebrate culture care on a weekend approx. every six weeks.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: A minimum of monthly supervisor team meeting with student to review progress, talk through any issues arising and agree plans for the next period. Student will have free access to laboratories within the Physics department to develop imaging instrumentation and maintain links with second supervisor group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Student is welcome to arrange meetings in person and/or online. Contact by email at any time. In the event that supervisor cannot be reached directly, the group Teams page has a chat feature that can help to answer questions quickly.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by myself, Prof Benjamin Wall, and Dr Alistair Monteyne alongside our Senior Experimental officer. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by our postdoc and senior PhD students and your main point of contact (FS) on a daily basis.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
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: We have a relatively large and vibrant research group currently running over 10 different research projects. PhD students from all research groups in PHSS share a large office space and regularly interact. The Baring Court analytical facilities are shared on a collegiate and collaborative basis by 4 research groups (NPG, Jones/Vanhatalo, Bowtell/O'Leary, Etheridge), who regularly share resource and 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 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. 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: Progress meeting between both supervisors every 3 months. Dr Alistair Monteyne is generally in the laboratory on a daily basis and is always approachable for help and advice.
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, but always welcome to drop in if my door is open for a chat.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day-to-day research training and support within our lab and field is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that students gain practical experience while receiving continuous guidance and resources. Here’s how we facilitate this:
Co-Working with Postdoctoral Researchers: Students will work closely with postdoctoral researchers, such as Dr Srikanth Pedireddy and others in Prof Vollmer’s group. This co-working approach allows students to learn from experienced researchers, engage in hands-on training, and benefit from the expertise of senior lab members. This daily interaction provides invaluable insights into advanced research techniques and problem-solving strategies.
Attending Events and Workshops: Students are encouraged to participate in relevant events and workshops organised by the Living Systems Institute (LSI). These events offer opportunities for professional development, including training in cutting-edge techniques, networking with experts, and gaining insights into the latest research trends. Such activities are integral to broadening students' knowledge and skills beyond their immediate research focus.
Accessing Institutional Support: The LSI provides extensive support through its machine shop, IT services, and research technicians. The machine shop offers specialised equipment and expertise for custom fabrication and modifications, essential for experimental setup and troubleshooting. IT services ensure that students have access to the necessary software and technical support for data analysis and computational work. Research technicians provide hands-on assistance with experimental procedures and maintenance of laboratory equipment, facilitating smooth and efficient research operations.
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:
Biweekly Inter-Group Meetings: We hold biweekly meetings with other research groups at the LSI, including the groups of Prof Kattnig and Prof Scholpp, with whom we actively collaborate. These meetings foster interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration, offering students a broader perspective on their research and opportunities to engage with different expertise.
Weekly Lab Seminars: Every Friday, our lab (vollmer) hosts seminars where group members present their research. These weekly seminars provide a platform for students to showcase their work, receive feedback, and engage in scientific discussions with their peers. This regular presentation practice helps students develop their communication skills and receive constructive input on 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 per week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student):
For a full-time PhD student with no flexibility requirements, the expected working pattern is structured yet adaptable to accommodate the diverse nature of research tasks. Here’s how the working hours are typically organised:
Core Hours: Students are expected to work during core hours, typically from approx 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ensuring overlap with other team members and facilitating collaborative activities, meetings, and lab work. These core hours provide a framework for when the student should be available for essential group interactions and scheduled activities.
Flexible Arrangements: While core hours provide a baseline, the working pattern is flexible to accommodate the varying demands of research. Students can adjust their working hours outside of the core times as needed, allowing for flexibility in managing their workload and personal commitments.
Laboratory and Computer-Based Tasks: It is understood that some research tasks are computer-based and do not require physical presence in the laboratory. For instance, data analysis, literature review, and theoretical work can be completed remotely. This flexibility ensures that students can manage their time effectively and work on tasks that do not necessitate laboratory access.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project:
The second supervisor plays a crucial role in supporting the PhD project through regular and collaborative interactions. Here’s how the second supervisor will contribute:
Biweekly In-Person Meetings: We have scheduled biweekly in-person meetings with Nic Harmer’s group at Exeter. These meetings provide a platform for the PhD student to discuss their progress, address any challenges, and receive direct feedback and guidance from Nic Harmer. This regular face-to-face interaction ensures continuous support and fosters a collaborative environment within the research group.
Remote Involvement by Ross Anderson: Ross Anderson will join these biweekly meetings via Zoom whenever available. This arrangement allows for his valuable input and oversight on the project, ensuring that his expertise in redox protein engineering and synthetic biology is integrated into the project’s development. The remote participation provides flexibility and ensures that Ross Anderson’s guidance complements the in-person support from Nic Harmer.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication:
I am available by email throughout the day and will respond as promptly as possible. While I may occasionally reach out outside of standard working hours, I do not expect immediate responses outside these hours from students. For meetings, I am happy to schedule both Zoom and in-person appointments as needed. I encourage students to be proactive in arranging additional meetings if they feel they need further discussion or guidance. Furthermore, I support students in taking the initiative to engage with colleagues and mentors outside of the project, as this can greatly enhance their research experience and professional development. Please feel free to propose meetings in advance, although if you see my door open, you are welcome to drop in for a chat, though arranging a meeting time is generally preferred.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me alongside our local research assistant. Further day-to-day training will be provided by all members of the lab (experienced PhD students, Research Assistants and PI).
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 are having a joint plant science meeting every week at Exeter. The student will be able to visit and meet all other groups of the supervisory team and establish a network across Universities in Cardiff and Exeter. Furthermore, the student will engage with the PhD students of the primary supervisor at the University of Bath.
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 virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Working pattern will be flexibly adjusted to the needs of the student and the experimental setup. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend at least 3 months in the second supervisor's lab. In addition, the student will meet the second supervisor at least 1x month virtually.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: Students can communicate with supervisory team at all times during working hours. This can be via email and in person. Meetings can be scheduled in advance and start ad hoc.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will learn experimental techniques from team members, including postdocs, Fellows and experienced PhD students. I will focus on teaching broader research skills, including experimental design, trouble-shooting, research ethics and scientific writing. We use Slack for daily/hourly communication across the team (including me) and weekly lab meetings to support research training. You will also have monthly 1-2-1 meetings with me throughout the PhD.
Supervision style: Directive support: F / 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:Our weekly lab meetings are joint with Stefan Harmansa’s research group (an LSI Wellcome Fellow focusing on the biophysics of development in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster). By participating in weekly Structural Biology group meetings with the Daum, Gold and Harmer groups, you will be embedded in the wider structural biology community, providing further input into your project. The LSI also run weekly PhD seminars helping to build a broader research community.
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; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (9.30-3.30) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the lab to maintain the Galleria. Due to the nature of working with living organism, there may be some weekend and evening working. CryoEM work will may occasionally require weekend or evening work, such as during data collection sessions.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: You will have monthly meetings with both supervisors to review project progress, address any challenges, and discuss future directions. The second supervisor will be actively involved in the cryo-EM training, data interpretation, structural analysis, and model building. They will facilitate your integration into the structural biology community at LSI and provide detailed feedback on your PhD upgrade reports and thesis.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Primary and secondary supervisors will be available on email every day. Slack and WhatsApp groups allow access to me throughout every working day, as well as setting Channels that mean there will be contact with all group members, whether they are in the lab, on site, or not. In order to keep up with email traffic, our messages may come outside working hours. However, we do not expect a reply outside of your core hours. We are often in our offices and make ourselves available for short catch ups whenever necessary. However, as the current Head of Department, JW's Outlook tends to get filled up 1-2 weeks in advance for longer meetings outside of the weekly lab meeting or monthly 1-2-1s.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and the second supervisor in field/lab. Further day-to-day support will be provided by other members of our two research groups (postdocs and PhD students) who are working on related projects in field/lab.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 9
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 PhD student will be encouraged to attend Penryn subject group networking meetings (e.g. weekly 2 hour Behaviour Discussion Group) comprising several different research groups, where topics such as network analysis are frequently discussed. Also cross-group journal clubs, Annual Research Symposium etc. There will additionally be the opportunity to obtain advice from and visit the lab of the Other supervisor, Dr Stroeymeyt (University of Bristol), who has expertise in network analysis and pathogen transmission in insects.
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 (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working e.g. during field data collection.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor and his research group will have an integral role in the project. The PhD student will be encouraged to attend some of the second supervisor’s group meetings, and will carry out some of their research in the second supervisor’s lab. Also joint meetings with both supervisors as appropriate.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available to e-mail every day and you are also welcome to drop in if I’m not busy, but I encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day). 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 be initially trained in laboratory safety and research-skills by me, the laboratory manager and experience postdoctoral researchers who work in the laboratory. You will also have access to researchers and activities within the broader "Dynamic Cells" theme in biosciences and will be encouraged to build your network with the Centre for Medical Mycology which is located in the building adjacent to the Love Laboratory.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / 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 Department of Biosciences is organised around 3 research themes, each with their own (but complementary) foci. Themes organise seminars and regular group meetings to share insights and issues and the student will be a de facto member of the "Dynamic Cells" theme which includes researchers in fungal biology, plant biology and cell biology. Additionally, the department houses the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology which runs a weekly seminar programme open to all. This structure will allow the student to engage with various researchers, concepts and technologies, and to expand their experience beyond that of the host lab.
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): Students are expected to work on average 8 hour days, Monday to Friday, depending on the nature of the experiments. The location of the work is flexible, though experiments will all be laboratory based. The student will be provided with a physical location in the shared office adjacent to the laboratory for non-laboratory work. While out-of-hours laboratory working is discouraged, it may be necessary at times and must be noted in advance to the laboratory manger to ensure safety.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will support the student with advanced bioinformatic analysis. Typically, this will be through attendance of his course in bioinformatics and subsequent discussions with the student when required during relevant periods of the project. Meetings will be held with the supervisors and the student at least once a term (either in person or remotely) to assess progress and areas for further development.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available by email every day and personally accessible when in the office. The speed of e-mail response will depend on the enquiry, but will normally be within 2 working days except weekends. Regular, scheduled meetings between myself and the student may be face-to-face or remote, depending on the topic urgency and availability. I share an open-plan office with my research team where the student will be located, enabling a culture of rapid and responsive communication between all group members.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Supervision and training is provided as a group, with day-to-day experimental and analytical support from other researchers, weekly one-to-one meetings with the main supervisors, as well as weekly group meetings with the rest of the team.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / 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 UoE team is part of the LSI. The LSI is directed by Prof Austin Smith, a pioneer in stem cell biology. Other key researchers include Ge Guo, Steffen Scholpp, Akshay Bhinge, and Liz Williams, who work on stem cell and developmental biology and single-cell approaches. Synergies exist with bioinformatics expert Adam Monier and theorists and mathematicians like Kyle Wedgwood, Kirsty Wan, and Marc Goodfellow, who specialize in mathematical modelling. The LSI has weekly meetings on all areas of Bioscience, and the student will also participate in the Mathematics of Life internal meetings.
The UoB team is part of the Palaeobiology Research Group, rated first in the world for Palaeontology in the 2017 CWUR subject rankings; it includes internationally renowned researchers including Prof Michael J Benton (vertebrates), Prof Phil Donoghue (origin of life, eukaryotes, animals, land plants), and Dr Tom Williams (phylogenomics and comparative genomics). The School of Biological Sciences provides an ideal environment, with complementary world-leading expertise on the interface of genomics and evolution, such as Prof Gareth Jones (chiropterans), Prof Martin Genner and Prof Mark A Beaumont (evolution and conservation genomics), and Dr Stephen Montgomery (genomics in lepidopterans).
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 virtual and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this, with opportunities to work remotely occasionally.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 2 weeks, student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group for comparative genomics work.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail and messages every day, with exceptional periods of more restricted availability due to participation in international meetings or panels. Communication will be only in normal working hours. Casual bespoke one-to-one meetings are possible when beneficial.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be initially trained by the main supervisor in the core skills of microbiology and fluxomics. Further day to day experimental support will be provided by the postdoc who is a main point of contact daily in the lab. The student will be trained in any specialist equipment in the lab by the lab manager and the technical staff.
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 be able to interact with the research group of Prof Nick Smirnoff (second supervisor), who we will meet fortnightly. In addition to the supervisory team, the student will be able to meet and interact with PGRs from Dr Steve Porter's lab, Dr Ben Temperton's lab, Dr Stephano Pagliara's lab, Dr Vicki Gold's lab, Dr Steve Michell's lab, Dr Toby Bergmiller's lab in the weekly 4th floor lab meeting held every week in GP building, Biosciences, LSI, Exeter. There are regular seminars in the life sciences institute encompassing diverse scientific talks where the student can meet and interact PGRs from across 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 a week; mixture of virtual and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The student will be expected to conduct research activities in the lab or literature work within the core hours (10am to 4pm) and other times to be managed around the hours if needed. There will be some rotational work with other members of the research group in presenting the work in lab meetings, leading journal club and general lab work. Weekend and evening works are not expected, but there may be some in case of meeting some timelines/deadlines such as for publishing.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will meet the second supervisor's team fortnightly in a joint lab meeting to discuss the work, techniques, results and support needed. In addition to the rotation project with the second supervisor, the student will spend time with the second supervisor's team at least in the first few months to develop and optimise metabolomic analyses.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The main supervisor is the main point of contact for the project and will be available to email and communicate every day. There will be a member of the team that the student can e-mail every day. The main supervisor may contact you outside of working hours but no responses expected outside of working hours. Meetings are encouraged to be arranged in advance with the supervisor. The student is welcome to drop in the supervisor's office when the door is open and if the supervisor is available.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will initially be trained by either myself or Prof Javier Gonzalez respectively, alongside our local technical team support, which will provide specific lab inductions. Training on HTA (Human Tissue Act) regarding consent and storage of samples, alongside mandatory training on research integrity, good clinical practice, and health and safety is centrally organized at the University of Exeter. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by our technical team, post-doc and other more experience PhDs for appropriate tasks (i.e. locating consumables, peer support, equipment troubleshooting). For more specific training such as conducting and managing a clinical trial, applying for ethical clearance, and developing specific skills and techniques (e.g. statistics, bioinformatics, DNA extraction, stable isotope methods) the main supervisory team will provide onsite support.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
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:We have a monthly meeting with my research group BioactivEx, led by Prof Jo Bowtell, and a bi-monthly meeting with a wider cross-faculty group (Food, Nutrition and Health). In the research group meeting students present updates and can build relationships with peers that are using similar methods/techniques. These meeting alternate with ad-hoc training and a journal club run by students. In the wider group, they can connect with colleagues working in other disciplines related to nutrition and gain a more interdisciplinary view on their topic.
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/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Mon-Fri following usual business hours – exact start and end time are flexible to suit the student working style and personal situation. During data collection with human participants students are expected to have more flexibility to adapt to participants availability, which might include working on weekends. In those instances, students will be asked to take their days off during the week instead and to arrange these in a way that does not clash with other responsibilities.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 2 months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available on email and Teams everyday, and work 9-5 Mon to Friday. I limit email communication to these times, unless otherwise agreed with students/colleagues during periods of high demand (e.g. conference/paper submission deadlines). I do not work on weekends and expect students not to unless this is a personal preference or exceptional circumstances (i.e. intense data collection time/analysis). I have an open office policy for informal meetings or quick questions, but prefer students to arrange meetings via Outlook calendar at least one day in advance.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training and career discussions and development will be delivered by supervisors. Additional day-to-day training and support will be provided by post-docs and experienced PhD students, and technicians.
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: Joint meeting every two weeks between the three research groups / PIs that form the visual ecology group in CEC (Stevens, Kelley, and Trocianko labs). Lab meetings for co-supervisors' labs (How, Bass) and associated clusters (visual ecology at Bristol), molecular ecology (CEC).
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): Encouraged to work core hours of approximately 10-4 during weekdays and other time managed around this. However, we are very flexible to student's needs and well-being if other arrangements are better. Some weekend or evening work may be needed if and when projects require in the short term.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors each month, with the 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 email every day. I sometimes have odd working hours but there will usually be a member of the team you can email every day should urgent help be needed if I am away. 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 but I am very happy to meet at short notice if free and the need arises. All lab members are welcome to drop in if my door is open, but I 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 trained in cell culture, proteomic analysis and biopsy assistance techniques by the main supervisor, supported thereafter by postdoctoral staff. Mary maintains an active role in training members of the research team in laboratory techniques. This ensures consistent high quality training, but so too offers opportunities for frequent informal contact between Mary and trainees. Eilis leads a weekly team meeting for analysts within the Complex Disease Epigenomics group for troubleshooting, sharing of methodology and discussion of issues relating to that group. This supportive team will supplement the data science training that the student receives through the DTP. Eilis also develops and delivers training regularly through the Coding for Reproducible Research Training Programme at Exeter, to which the student will have access.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 5
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 opportunities to interact with both mine and Dr Eilis Hannon's research 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): Typically within core hours of 10-3 with other time to be managed around this. This is a generally flexible working environment where students are empowered to manage their own time. In instances where a student is recruiting participants who are undergoing clinical procedures (e.g. to generate additional omics datasets or for primary cell isolation), this may require earlier starts to ensure the participants are fasted. Some weekend work required occasionally, but this can largely be avoided via careful planning of in vitro experiments.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Student will spend some time each week with the second supervisor's research group, usually at their weekly troubleshooting meeting. The supervisors (plus the student) will meet as required; this is expected to be every 3-4 weeks initially.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available via email every day and typically respond to members of my team within a few hours. I work on campus 95% of the time. I am often available to provide help in the lab at short notice, when I am not (meetings, teaching) there is usually a postdoctoral staff member who can be contacted. All members of my team have my mobile phone number and can contact me with urgent queries. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside your working hours.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student and the supervisory team will together perform a training needs analysis (TNA) at the beginning of each rotation project and the main project. We will then revise this annually to ensure that the essential training is delivered and that opportunities arising both internally and externally to the SWBio (such as for example technical training events run by the Biochemical Society) are fully exploited. Training on rotation project 1 will be primarily delivered by myself and by Dr Joseph Costello during rotation project 2. Training will then be delivered in the main project by both Exeter supervisors according to the detailed needs of the student. Some skills transfer will be performed by the wider lab teams. For instance I will have multiple team members preparing sample for live cell imaging under aseptic conditions. Experiences and training of these common skillsets will be shared amongst lab peers but will be carefully risk assessed and monitored by the supervisory team. The Bioimaging centre has its own light microscopy training programme delivered by Corin Liddle and Bradley Dyer. We will also utilise the training element of the RTSG to fund visits to Prof Haslam and the lipidomics facility at RRes to learn how develop and optimize targeted lipid analytical methods.
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: The Mezzanine plant research lab at the University of Exeter consists of 6 research groups and independent fellow including Nicholas Smirnoff (physiologist and biochemist), Vinod Kumar (plant stress responses), Helen Eyles (plant pathologist), Hans-Wilhelm Nuetzmann (epigenetics and control of plant/fungal gene expression), Ulrike Bauer (biophysicist specialising in plant surface properties and diversity) and Alex Johnson (independent fellow and cell biologist). This highly interdisciplinary team of plant scientists meet weekly with a monthly internal seminar series that stretches beyond the lab to connect with other plant researchers across Biosciences and other departments/faculties. You will have the opportunity to participate and present within this series and network with a very broad mix of plant scientists. Furthermore, MD has collaborative projects with the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (Steve Bates, Alex Brand), the Living Systems Institute (Wolfram Moebius, David Richards), and multiple groups within the Physics building (David Horsell, Alex Corbett, Julian Moger). The student will have the opportunity to meet these collaborators and explore potential avenues to expand their interdisciplinary work. Moreover, this project is part of a wider international collaboration with the University of Durham, Oxford Brookes University and Huazhong Agricultural University, China with online project meetings and physical meetings coinciding with conferences.
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 virtual and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The expected working pattern core hours would be between 9:30 to 16:30. Typically there are members of the wider lab research team present in the Mezzanine laboratory between 8 to 17:30 allowing safe weekday working around core hours. Weekend and out of hours work is not expected but the nature of the research (growing microorganisms, cell cultures and plants) can mean some occasional weekend and evening working for low-risk activities. Bioimaging facility access can also require changes to typical working patterns. A buddy arrangement is standard practice to help ensure safe out of hours working. Both primary and secondary supervisors are willing to discuss reasonable adjustments to working patterns to facilitate student challenges.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: At the heart of this project is the comparison of cell biology across the research of myself and Dr Joseph Costello, therefore Dr Costello is an integral part of the student’s supervision throughout the PhD. He and I will meet the student together weekly to provide feedback and guidance. He will also be essential in supervising and providing training for the mammalian cell science components of the project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: I’m contactable by email every day and during term time I am typically physically present in the office during core hours (or in meetings/teaching elsewhere on site). I work from home more frequently outside of term time. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. You are always welcome to knock on my office door if I’m not already in a meeting but I encourage meetings to be arranged in advance to ensure my availability.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day-to-day training and support in the cell biology lab will be provided by members of the research team (e.g. postdocs, experienced PhD students), our experienced research technician and myself. We will also provide training in scientific writing, giving presentations, and other core research skills.
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 close collaborations with other cell biology-focussing research groups sharing our lab space [e.g. Costello, Steinberg, Carmichael (Research Fellow) groups], with occasional joint meetings. We also cooperate with groups in the Living Systems Institute (e.g. Scholpp, Gold), Physics (Petrov), and Medical School (e.g. Noble), offering ample opportunities to attend and present at other lab groups meetings. In addition there are frequent departmental and research theme-based meetings as well as an annual post graduate student conference in Biosciences. We also have international cooperations with shared online meetings and networking opportunities (e.g. to visit those laboratories).
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): Ideally with a significant presence during core hours early in the PhD in order to build relationships with colleagues, to integrate into the research team and to enable training. However, flexible working and personal time management is encouraged. Due to the nature of the research (working with cultured cells), there may be some weekend and evening working required.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend the first rotation project in the group of the second supervisor (Exeter) and may continue project-related work over the course of the PhD. We plan on having monthly meetings during the early phase of the PhD with joint lab meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: I am available for contact by e-mail, phone or Teams every day. My office is located close to the lab, and I am usually available for in-person support. In addition, there is excellent support via the research team. Where possible I prefer meetings to be planned in advance (e.g. during times of extensive teaching). I may sometimes contact you by email outside working hours but do not expect a reply when I do so.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: For field skills you will be trained and supported by the me as well as another PhD student who is working on the same field system. For other research skills, training and support will be led by me with input from the supervisory team, and rest of my research team as required.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / 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: We have a weekly group meeting with the rest of the Centre for Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter, in addition to weekly seminar series. Further, we have bi-weekly meeting of the "Social Network Club" to discuss all aspects of social network research with other interested members of the department and in other universities. Lasty, second local supervisor LB's research group have a weekly meeting that the student would be invited to attend.
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): Outside of the field season I encourage attendance within core hours (e.g. 10-4) to facilitate engagement and interaction with other members of the Centre for Animal Research. But there is flexibility within this, and in general in the hours worked. During the field season work is likely to be outside of core hours and involve some evening and weekend working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting of whole supervisors team at least every 2 months, students will spend rotation project embeded in second supervisors group full-time, with ad-hoc vists during the rest of the PhD.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I work in the office every day and have an open door policy, and have regular ad hoc meetings and chats with my research team. Beyond that I available by email within office hours. Ad-hoc meetings are encouraged but I also organise recurring weekly 1-on-1 meetings with my students for more structured and longer discussions (though these can also be arranged in addition as needed).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: As a research fellow I still spend a lot of time in the lab, allowing me to provide hands on support for your everyday experimental work. In addition, you will be trained and supported from senior postdocs in my group (for biophysical applications) and by a senior member of Steffen Scholpp’s team (for zebrafish work). You will be fully integrated into our teams which will allow personalized support for you to push and succeed in your own, distinct project.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / 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: Our group has weekly group meetings (shared with the James Wakefield group, LSI) and also works in close collaboration and shares the office space with the group of David Richards (modelling collaboration). You will have the chance to actively participate in the group meetings of our and Steffen Scholpp’s team. Several times a year we organise a meeting between local Exeter teams using diverse biophysical approaches to discuss the latest technique development, allowing you to expand your network to the physics and engineering departments.
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): In the group we expect members to be present within core hours (10-4) to ensure sufficient interactions, additional times to be arranged around this. While in general we aim to avoid work along weekends, some weekend/evening work might be required depending on the stage of the project.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor, Prof Andrew Quantock is an expert in eye developments with a focus on Collagen organisation. He will provide his expertise to the project and we will have joined online meetings on a regular basis (~every month). You will spend your second rotation in the group of Prof Quantock to learn the handling of chicken embryos. During the second half of the PhD project there will be the opportunity to spend an extended period with Prof Quantock’s group to test your working hypothesis in the chicken.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I can be reached by email every day. In the group we use Slack for direct communication and answering quick questions. I am working on campus 5-days a week and will be in the lab or the office most of the time. I have an open-door policy; hence, you can always drop-by my office to discuss any challenges you face. In addition, we will have a weekly one-to-one meeting to ensure interactions on a regular basis. I believe that different individuals require different mentoring styles, and I will adjust to your needs to ensure good support but also enough freedom to develop your own, independent ideas.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained in the lab by me in rotation project 1. Sariqa Wagley will supervise rotation project 2 and Steve Michell will supervise the BSL3 training.
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: We have a weekly lab meeting attended by most of the bacteriology groups in the department including those of myself, Steve Michell, Sariqa Wagley, Vicki Gold, Ben Temperton, Tobi Bergmiller and Remy Chait.
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. On rare occasion, determined by the experiments in progress, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend rotation project 2 in Sariqa Wagley's lab. Thereafter, Sariqa Wagley will provide supervision in her areas of expertise including flow cytometry, macrophage infection assays, persister & VBNC assays. Steve Michell will provide the BSL3 training and supervise all work occurring in the BSL3 lab, where B. pseudomallei is handled.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to email every-day (within working hours preferred unless urgent). Meetings: you are welcome to drop in if my door is open for a quick discussion, and for a more in depth discussion it is better to arrange in advance (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The SWBio student will be part of an interdisciplinary team within the main and second supervisor's labs, which are embedded in a local plant science community with strong collaborative ethos and highly relevant skills. The student will be trained by ther main and second supervisors with additional support from postdocs and specialist technical staff (e.g. for bioimaging). The first rotation project will focus on learning essential motion capture and video analysis skills under the guidance of computer scientist Dr Rowlands. Other members of the supervisory team will contribute further experience in this field and be available for help with data analysis when needed.
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: The physical lab work will be based in both the main and second supervisor's lab, and the student will have the opportunity to join both group's regular lab meetings. Apart from Prof Holderied, all co-supervisors are based on the Exeter Streatham campus within minutes of walking, making frequent in-person interaction easy. The student will have the opportunity to visit Prof Holderied's lab in Bristol, and Prof Holderied will be available for online meetings when needed.
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 n person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core hours (10-5) and additional time to be flexibly arranged, but may be determined by the experimental schedule. There might be a small amount of rota work such as plant care or lab maintenance. We aim to keep weekend and evening work to a minimum but it might occasionally be necessary.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor is a cellular and molecular biologist and will provide specific support for investigating the physiological impact responses of plants. He will be available to meet and support the student at a frequency that depends on the demands of the project (weekly, if needed). Dr Deeks will also be able to provide specialist microscopy and data analysis training. He is a contact point for the national PhenomUK plant phenotyping network which may be of particular use during the project to facilitate access to the planned national pool of sensor resources.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The main supervisor works full-time on campus, is generally available to email during working hours and usually responds on the same day. The student is welcome to drop in to the supervisor's office or join the supervisor for lunch to resolve short questions, but longer meetings for in-depth discussion need to be arranged in advance. Team members will also be available in person and remotely for support.