exactly short post-doc contracts mean i would be scared to get into a morgage. as for starting a pension.. i cant see having a great amount each month to spare for a long time. i do think the government needs to review things like uni fees which mean debt for the rest of your life.

never thought about that but sounds useful!

similar for me.. its just crazy. i have heard some morgage lenders will give more to PhDs .. but im relying on the other half getting a wage hike and hence increasing the amount we can borrow!!

how on earth did someone manage to reply to this after all that time.

apply to as many as you can. i dont doubt that they mean it but you have to be prepared for other applicants that may contact them also so dont pin all your hopes in one place. they wont mind either if you do.

i wonder what she is doing now...

i couldnt get a morgage on anything on my salary alone.. nor on a post doc one if i didnt buy with someone....!

do you think most people secure them from finding out about projects by word of mouth / through their supervisor etc rather than advertised posts?

where would you be moving from? what project are you applying for?

norwich itself is nice. rent is relatively cheap and the institute is near the UEA. you can get involved in the uni as such as have student cards there and the student side of life at IFR is mixed with JIC (over the road).
the programme is quite structured if BBSRC funded. you have to attend skills courses etc and complete yearly reports. there are also opporunities to attend conferences etc.

ok...

well my interview was a panel of 4. not sure if they assing 'roles' as it were as my friend had the same where two were nice and two asked the harder questions. i was asked to explain disseration project and my background i.e degree research experience etc. also why i felt i was suited to working here. and how i felt about moving to norwich. i then had a tour and a chat with my potential (now he is) supervisor. but i think it depends on the day if their available if not you chat to someone in the same field.. and they explain the project or potential project more. as most of the time the interviews are for all projects listed but they only fund some so the final project may be a mix.

devise the perfect answer to the question 'why should we give you this position' i got asked it in all of my interviews. and read read read the subject area.

what would you like to know?

me! hehe

ok im a way off this point yet but does any one have any idea whe is a good time to 'make yourself known' to potential postdoctural supervisors? a few months before expected to finish the PhD?