Overview of Jamie_Wizard

Thanks Tudor!

Thanks Rewt, yes good point regarding the reference check. The trouble is our first line manager left disgruntled after he was promoted from to a team lead without any increase in salary, presumably as he'd already had yearly increments over the 7 years he was here, and the replacement left after just 4 months due to a bullying issue which myself and a colleague had to report to HR on - he knew of this as he left. In lieu I've offered to provide my signed appraisal paperwork which was very praiseworthy. That way it can't be subject to any bias given the situation and also keeps my current bosses from knowing I may be leaving. Lets see what happens.

Incidently, a while back, there was a good postdoc role in my institute with a PI here. I applied for it -- this PI is always approaching our department for technical help. I applied, but didn't get invited for an interview despite having the relevant background. Around the time, I saw my boss (DIrector of our group who had to line manage us in the absence of a manager and who usually works at a different site), and instead of the usual pleasant greeting, he seemed annoyed with me but didn't say anything. I'm quite sure it was brought up between the PI and my director as they know each other well.

JW

Thanks Nead. I understand where you are coming from. Unfortunately, two of my line managers have left and myself and a colleague are being line managed by a deputy director of our department.

I have a glowing appraisal from my current role which was written by a director who undertook my appraisal -- but who'm I'm sure won't want me to leave as it would leave the department short staffed. I wonder if I could submit this?

Or perhaps I could suggest a proviso that they can contact them only after making a formal offer - although that worries me a little -- I tend to be too much of a worrier! :-/

Thanks Nead. i'm glad hey are checking out my references, it makes them diligent which I appreciate. However, my qualm is with their request for a reference with my latest employee. i filled out a form listing a number of other very recent academic and employment referees and checked the box that said that I'm happy for them to be contacted.

I think it'll be fine as long as your content is good. That's what people really appreciate.

Good luck!

Hi all,

I may be offered a post-doc position at a very good university. However, their HR just emailed me to ask for a reference from my current employer, a large research institute - apparently they need the last 3 years, and I've been here almost 2. Personally, I don't feel comfortable with this as things are going well in this employment (other than it is consultant rather than research which I'd prefer) - if the offer doesn't materialise I'll jeopardise my current role.

My current role is good, but there isn't much chance of career progression and the senior staff/directors are known for keeping people in the post with little prospect of advancing - and a number of people have recently left after being here very long. I fear this could also impact on any reference that is supplied, if my current employer does respond to the request.

Any pointers would be appreciated. It does seem rather odd that they are requesting this.

JW

This is great. Thank you all!

Hi all,

Apologies if this might sound like a basic question, but I am trying to get the correct clear definitions of and the distinction between Post. Doc. Research Associate, Post. Doc. Training Fellow and Post. Doc. Research Assistant, particularly for the UK, where I am based. I understand that a Research assistant can be of any level of qualification. However, I am trying to differentiate between all the Ph.D./ Doctoral roles bearing these titles

I've looked around, and for example, found this:
but it's making it even less certain given the differences in opinion.

I'd be most grateful if someone could define these roles and elaborate on them, particularly in regards to seniority, experience required and teaching duties etc...

Many thanks,
Jamie

Well done!

pm133, I get the sense that you are projecting your own feelings of inadequacy at achieving a 2:2 onto the questioner. I don't think that necessary not helpful. For instance you yourself, by your own admission, were one of the 2:2 students. The suggestion that you "upped" your grade to a 1st and corrected your knowledge deficit is rather ridiculous - for a start, an undergraduate or integrated degree covers a broad area of the subject, whereas a masters, particularly in STEM fields, focuses on a very specific area. Therefore, it wouldn't be possible to fix all of the foundation knowledge in all areas of the subject. Also, your masters doesn't change your initial degree, and unfortunately there is some prejudice in academia. That said, whilst it may be fashionable to get hung up on degree classifications, I don't think it guarantees success at PhD, as you yourself have succeeded at one.

Grimnebulin19, I don't think that having a 2:2 will stop you from achieving a PhD. However, in my opinion, it would be difficult to gain a more highly-funded place where there is a lot of competition from those with a higher degree classification. As others have said, the funding body would have specific eligibility rules. This would certainly be the case for a sought-after scholarship at a prestigious university.

If you have your heart set on a prestigious university, then I recommend you work hard and prove yourself on your PhD and perhaps get a post-doc. position at a more prestigious university. There's certainly nothing stopping you if during your PhD you have been able to make some recognised and impactful contributions - through publications etc...

Meardonna, I think an M.Res would be great for you. Alternatively, there are some Doctoral PhD programmes which offer the 1st year of the degree as a taught component, in which students are exposed to different areas of research, reading groups etc.. before choosing their specific topic. I knew fellow PhD students in the Cyber-security area who undertook such a doctoral training programme. I myself did the classic MPhil/PhD with upgrade to PhD-proper in the 2nd year - this didn't have such a year, but I already had a defined problem to work on. Good luck!

Great! Well done. I'm sure it'll all be fine.

Hi Tudor, Hope you're well. Have your minor corrections been approved?

With minor corrections, I would think it is very rare for an examiner to cause an issue unless the corrections have not been carried out properly, as requested. If they haven't been carried out appropriately, the examiner may not be willing to sign off on all of the criteria needed for the Dean to award the doctorate. But I think that's a very rare scenario as they gave minor corrections in the first instance.

it's very encouraging to hear you got a post-doc from networking at a conference. I appreciate the support!

Congratulations Tudor! :-)