The thing is, sciencephd seems concerned that s/he does not yet have a first author publication... something must be causing this. Maybe others at the same level in the lab DO already have some papers? Facing up to it and trying to remedy it is probably the most positive thing a person can do if that is the case.

Absolutely, and I was also thinking do you have an academic advisor? This is supposed to be someone separate from the supervisory team but fully in the know and able to mediate and things if needed. Just another option if you aren't comfortable meeting with the supervisors.

It sounds like you are taking lots of positive steps. And it's so true about life being so much more than the PhD.

I have the very basic kindle, not one of the Fire or other newer ones. Those more recent ones seem more like ipad screens to me, and actually omit light.

Kindle feels almost as good but not quite. I personally like screen reading, but as OP says, probably not the best for eyes.

If you are really serious about it then only read hard copies of texts, and print out papers/chapters (or send them to Kindle - if you have the paper white one it isn't really like a screen). Also you could do much of your writing, planning, and thinking on paper - and then type it up afterwards when it is already in the final stages.

I think it must differ by field then. Maybe look at some relevant job ads and see what the expectations are.

Actually, I had thought this too, but it doesn't seem to be the case. That's why I was asking the question. I was slightly confused by the high banding and not comparably high salary or experience level. I checked the uni website and it seems they just have a different banding system.

Ah OK. I don't think I've ever seen anything this detailed before. I'm pretty sure it just be on a website though. Maybe a government or charity website about discrimination law and workplace harassment. Knowing your rights sort of thing. Good luck finding the info you need.

Yes, absolutely. And if he does tear it to shreds and throw it in the bin, be sure to get a second and third opinion and feedback from others in the field (though not necessarily in your lab as they might just follow his lead). I don't think there is an easy road to this, but asserting yourself in this way could help.

If you don't manage to get first author pubs from your PhD, all hope is not lost. It will just be harder to get a postdoc. But you can also go for RA positions. You can seek to get first author publications within either of those roles. Those are typical next steps anyway before becoming a PI. Most people do multiple postdocs.

I am actually not too bothered about pay (within reason), it is more that I didn't want to come across as somehow thinking I was at professor level of something. Thankfully, I realise now that the grade number doesn't refer to your academic level but simply to the pay (which certainly isn't professor level...!)

Cheers!

Thanks AislingB! I've decided to elaborate a little, but not too much. I don't want to annoy them if they just want a straight answer. I can do more elaborating in the actual personal statement!

Hi Eng, Is this helpful at all? See p. 2 Principles. http://www.docs.csg.ed.ac.uk/EqualityDiversity/Strategy.pdf

I just want to get some opinions here! How would you go about answering a question on an application form about something that is desirable (not required) and seems quite important for the role...yet you simply don't have experience in it... Would you try and draw other potentially relevant things in or just be frank and say NA?

I'm sorry to hear about all you have been going through. My suggestion would be to speak to the doctoral academy and the student union. The doctoral academy might have a different name at your university - but I mean the people who deal with postdoctoral support in your faculty/school. They should be able to give you confidential advice, and also they will have had similar situations before. The student union might offer different advice and support - informing you about your rights and such. It would be good to connect with them so that they know your situation. They will also be able to support you if you want to make an appeal against the decision.

Thanks for replying again - yes I think I was actually unclear on what grades were about, i.e. salary and experience vs just salary or just experience. I know the two come hand in hand normally, but I guess different unis have different pay scales - so the grades just aren't comparable across different unis. It all makes sense now! I'm glad we don't have the 50% thing - that would only confuse me more!