What are we looking for in a SWBio DTP student?
Undertaking a PhD is an opportunity to continue your passion and curiosity into a research area you are interested in. You will be part of an experienced research group working on cutting-edge world-class bioscience, discovering the unknown that could impact society and the economy. Taking forward your project, you will grow in your independence as a researcher, using independent thought and problem-solving to navigate your research. As part of your training not only will you gain and improve in desirable research skills, but you will also acquire many transferrable skills, paving the way to be agile across a wide variety of career sectors.
Although there are many positives and great reward in doing a PhD, it is important to be aware that it is a long and intensive project (4 years), which will often be challenging. As such motivation, resilience, adaptability, and time management are all critical skills that you will need to rely on throughout your PhD.
The SWBio DTP programme will provide a supportive and inclusive environment with access to facilities, multi-institutional networks and expertise that will provide you with the building blocks and insights to help you to succeed in whatever career you decide to pursue after your PhD.
As part of our DTP interview day, we will be assessing through 3 main areas (all equally weighted). These are your:
- Research experience/other relevant experience (including employment) – these can be demonstrated both within and outside an academic environment
- Understanding of project – including awareness of techniques/methods
- Motivation and commitment - to the project
Key attributes we consider important for a PhD student include.
- Time management – ability to manage your time effectively
- Critical awareness/independent thinker – ability to analyse information using own judgement
- Resilience – ability to maintain motivation when encountering project challenges
- Team working – ability to work with others as well as contribute to overall results of the team
- Adaptability – ability to adjust your approach when needed
- Problem-solving – ability to consider different approaches to solving problems
- Motivation and commitment – to the PhD and SWBio DTP programme
- Presentation skills – how you present and deliver your presentation. As well as conveying information effectively to an academic audience across a range of bioscience disciplines
- Communicating effectively – the ability to respond to interview questions clearly and concisely
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Selection process
The studentship selection process will take place in two stages. A candidate needs to be successful at both stages of the selection process to be considered for the award of a studentship.
The project supervisors will first consider your application (focusing on eligibility and your skills fit to project (refer above)) and then invite you to an interview for applications that are successful where you can expect the interview questions to be mainly based around the 3 areas listed above. These may take place virtually or in-person.
You can apply for more than one project, although supervisors may take in to account your interest and commitment to their particular project. Each application for an individual project will be considered separately by the project supervisors.
After the application deadline, each supervisory team will then put forward two ranked nominations (a first-choice and a reserve). Normally all first-choice nominations will be invited for an interview at a DTP interview day, subject to meeting the minimum academic criteria. Reserve candidates may also be invited for interview at a DTP interview day, but this is subject to the number of first-choice nominations that are invited for interview/have accepted their interview invite.
As part of the interview, applicants will be asked to make a short research presentation. Candidates can expect to be questioned by the interview panel on their research presentation and in the areas of the key competencies listed above. In addition to the interview, there will also be a written-based exercise to complete.
Instructions related to the interview day and written-based exercise will normally be provided at least 2 weeks in advance of the respective interview day.
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DTP interview day
If you are successful and invited to interview, you must be available to attend the relevant DTP interview day. These will be held virtually and you will normally receive your interview invite 2 weeks ahead of the interview day.
- Standard DTP Studentships with Associate Partner / CASE DTP Studentships – The selection panel will be composed of academics from across the partnership.
Interview Date Type of studentship Monday 13th February 2023 Standard DTP Studentships with Associate Partner Friday 3rd February 2023 CASE DTP Studentships - Standard DTP Studentships – The selection panel composed of academics within that institution.
Interview Date Institution Friday 10th February 2023 Cardiff Thursday 2nd, Tuesday 7th & Thursday 9th February 2023 Bristol Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th February 2023 Exeter Monday 6th February 2023 Bath Wednesday 15th February 2023 Rothamsted