I agree with Rewt and pm133, it would have been more appropriate to go to your supervisor with a nearly completed, or even completed draft to ask for his opinion, especially since it doesn't involve him directly. In your words: I presented a paper I had started working on to my supervisor looking for feedback such as "do you think these are good questions to begin with?". Also, it is true, being defensive will be an obstacle to your relationship.

I say this because during my PhD, one of the things that I am grateful I gained from my supervisor was developing my paper writing skills -- essentially in my first year I had all the material for an important review paper. I wrote this and then gave him the draft and we discussed not only the results but the narrative. The narrative was important as it led me to develop some final checks to really back-up the results. This wouldn't have worked well had my work not been complete (i.e. final draft) or with such defensiveness on my part. Defensiveness is the opposite to openness to other's suggestions. I had the review paper submitted by the end of my first year and it was accepted in a high profile journal (OK not Nature, but still). He likewise helped me fine tune my later papers too for which I am very grateful.

I appreciated this because my supervisor was trained in hard science (Nuclear Physics) and my background is in Chemistry, although we were both working in Computer Science at the time. I valued his time and insight. It wouldn't be good etiquette to go to him with something half-baked.

I think on one occasion, I too was eager for his opinion on another paper that I was progressing with and he just said OK let me have the final draft when it's ready. I remember thinking to myself "fair play" and just got on with it.

You have an opportunity here, just lose the attitude (no offence) :-)

I was typing when you responded so didn't see your last message.

I'm sure it'll be fine.

I think this sort of thing happens all the time and examiners know this. The involvement of technology adds another layer for something to go wrong.

At worst it could be minor corrections. I agree with Tudor Queen, it would be a good idea to list them and take this list into the Viva. This would reflect well on you if you did this.

You could also try contacting the admin who are communicating with the examiners and ask them if they can forward your list.

Good luck!

What is the university like with respect to your particular chosen field? That's an important question, notwithstanding that there often is bias in terms of valuing ranking, especially as eng says in academic appointments.

In this case, yes, tuition fees are paid. It's rather silly in my opinion, but this is the way it works in most universities. However, the fees for the final year are greatly reduced. For instance, a typical research PhD degree fees can be about 5k/yr (much less than undergraduate), but then it becomes something like 400/yr in the final year 4th year.

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:

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...