I have applied for a few PhD’s at various university’s all with no luck. I have completed a masters degree in chemical engineering and throughout this time spent 2 years in research in various areas.

1) I am however waiting to hear back from one university regarding a phd I interviewed for 10 weeks ago (same time as the original deadline) . The position links both my two years of research experience together and hence is a perfect opportunity for me. Since the interview I have exchanged a few emails with the supervisor, firstly asking for feedback on the interview which was a very positive response. In each of these exchanges they mentioned they would let me know the outcome of my application ‘soon’ as there were delays. However the latest email I was informed the delays had been sorted and again an outcome would be ‘soon’. But following this email I have noticed the phd position has been Re-advertised with the deadline now at the end of the month. Do I assume I haven’t got this position? Should I email and ask about it? Would I be told if I haven't been successful? I appreciate that they want the most ideal candidate possible and there is still time between the proposed starting date and now but waiting for an outcome is frustrating, especially if I am waiting for another rejection. I haven’t waited this long for a rejection before and the email responses seemed positive, I don’t want to assume either way.

2) is there any advice from people that did get a lot of rejection when applying for phd’s? September is fast approaching and I ideally wanted to start then. Can phds start at other times throughout the year? is it worth taking the year off and applying throughout the year for next September (2020)?

Thank you