Hi everyone I have made contact with a Professor who has sent me some papers to look through. What would be the next best thing to do? I want to proceed. Shall I email him saying I would like to apply? What should be my next step?

Hi everyone.

I graduated with 2:1 in a biological science in 2007. Since then I spent 2007 - 2009 working in a clinical diagnostic lab for the NHS. I then decided I want to become a teacher as the main area of my job I enjoyed was teaching students. I spent a year doing a subject knowledge enhancement course from October 2009 to June 2010 in chemistry with the Open Uni. I was going to work in some local schools during this course but due to personal problems I was unable to. I got onto a PGCE course with the Open University that was due to start this month but all of the schools in my area are full with students from the local universities.

I have decided recently that I would prefer to do a PHD. A PHD was my first choice when I was at uni but I was offered a job in a lab before I graduated so took the guarenteed job.

I am worried that the gap between me finishing working in the lab (july 2009 till now) even though I did this Open Uni course will count against me. I was going to work during this course in schools like I said but circumstances prevented me doing this.

Can you tell me what my chances are?