Click on the supervisor name below to find out more about them and their research group.
Just to note:
- These are the supervisors as listed on our ‘projects available‘ webpage under our 3 research areas (i.e. the listed main supervisor for the project).
- Supervisor profiles make reference to their supervisor style. You can view the diagram this makes reference to here.
Research Group website >> – Starting role at University of Bristol in January 2024 so former research page
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be trained by myself, Professor Helen White-Cooper, Professor James Hodge or an experienced post-doc/technician on all experimental techniques and data analysis.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 5
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Dr French's group will meet fortnightly with the lab of Professor James Hodge for scientific discussion (shared research interests) and journal clubs. Professor Helen White-Cooper shares a lab space with 4 other fly groups and the Cardiff fly groups have weekly shared lab meetings. 4 x per year the University of Bristol hosts the South West Fly meeting which offers the opportunity to interact with Drosophila researchers from across the south west.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Significantly varies depending on the student; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The student will be expected to work the hours stipulated in their contract but will be given freedom to establish their own working patterns based on the nature of their work and family commitments. They will be expected to attend weekly lab meetings but this will be at a set time each week that is convenient for all lab members.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will do a rotation in the lab of Professor Helen White-Cooper.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I will be in the lab most of the time but occasionally work from home. I will be contactable by email or through Slack. I will have an open-door policy but will ask students to schedule meetings if they require significant amounts of time to discuss something. I do not expect students to reply to emails at weekends or late into the evening – striking a good work/life balance is important for mental health as well as productivity.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: In addition to regular meetings and specialized training by me and the rest of the supervisory team, you will be supported on a day-to-day basis by a dynamic and growing team including a postdoc, research technician, and another PhD student. A lab manager will provide specific training and support with the use of common lab equipment.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Our lab is in a shared space with other labs doing research in plant development, molecular biology, and signaling, and you will be able to interact with them on a daily basis. You will also be able to interact with other research groups working in the Plant Sciences, Evolution and Ecology themes at informal meetings and seminars across the School of Biological Sciences.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): As a PhD student, you are responsible for managing your own time and there is no specified work pattern. However, it is a good idea to perform lab work during the core hours of 9 to 5 when others are likely to be in the lab and able to provide support. In addition, it is expected that you attend lab meetings on a regular basis and participate in other lab organization activities and general group events.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Aside from spending time in the second supervisor's lab at Rothamsted during the rotation project, you will be able to meet with the second supervisors and collaborators on an ad-hoc basis throughout the main project, depending on what you are working on and how their expertise aligns with your project and training needs. In addition, we will schedule group meetings with the supervisory team at strategic points during the project, give you the opportunity to reflect on your progress and goals, and practice presenting your work.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am happy to reply to questions by email and I will reply promptly during core working hours. On occasion, I may email outside of core working hours but I do not expect you to do the same. I work from the office most days and am always happy to meet in person (even for a last-minute chat) but I encourage emailing first to check I am available.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training will be provided by the supervisory team and members of our labs. In Bristol, initial training will be provided by Helena Urquijo (echocardiography), Matt Green (zebrafish husbandry), Laura Bevan (lab induction). All animal handling training will be done by the main supervisor.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 3
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: In Bristol we have biweekly Richardson group meetings, biweekly lab meetings with Martin and Weavers groups (all working on model organisms and tissue repair) and monthly zebrafish user meetings with the Martin and Hammond groups and aquarium facility staff (~30 people in total).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be flexibly managed around this. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: There will be regular quarterly meetings with the whole supervisory team. When the student needs to spend time in the second supervisors lab (when performing ECG measurements, for example), the second supervisor will meet with the student at least every two weeks.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available for email/Slack every day. Students are welcome to pop by my office any time but I do encourage meetings to be arranged in advance.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initially you will be trained by me, and will receive locally organized training in microscopy from the Wolfson bioimaging centre, and from the animal service unit to hold a personal licence to work on zebrafish. You will then work closely with the second local supervisor (Ben Faber) on genetic epidemiology with support from Dr Ruth Mitchell. In the lab we work closely as a team and you will receive hands on training from postdocs (both from our own and from collaborating groups) and more senior PhD students. You will also receive support and access to in vivo and in vitro datasets from Cardiff supervisor (Emma Blain) who will provide an additional platform in which to discuss experimental design and data analysis as the project progresses.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 5
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have less frequent (roughly monthly) joint meetings with the Stephens lab (membrane trafficking), the Caroll lab (senescence), the Rayfield lab (mechanical modeling), the Lane group (autophagy), the Amulic lab (neutrophils) and the zebrafish group (Hammond, Richardson, Martin labs), all of whom we have grants in common with and shared researchers with. All Hammond lab members are welcome and encouraged to join shared meetings in which they have an interest and are encouraged to develop their own networks and are supported to apply for e.g. travel grants to visit international labs to learn new techniques.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Any reasonable working pattern can be supported, as long as students attend lab meetings (usually Tuesday lunchtime), zebrafish meetings (Friday lunchtime) and other pre agreed meetings. Preference that core hours of 11-3 are worked but not completely essential. Very occasionally evening or weekend work may be required for a specific experiment, but time in lieu always given and it is clearly laid out in our lab handbook that a healthy work life balance is strongly encouraged and that all holidays are taken.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meetings at least monthly in person or by zoom. Opportunity to work directly with Emma in Cardiff, and shared senior postdoc Dr Sophie Gilbert works between both labs. Emma will provide RNAseq data from her in vivo and in vitro loading models to support shortlisting of gene targets for further exploration in the zebrafish. She will also be responsive to all email communications from the student to support their progression.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available on email all the time, with slack as another avenue for conversation. Scheduled weekly/fortnightly meetings, but generally an open door policy for drop ins too. Lab handbook clearly explains that I do not ever expect responses outside working hours and that full use of holiday is encouraged.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The PhD student will be introduced to the project by Schaffitzel (main supervisor) and then trained in the key technologies required by highly experienced personnel (post-docs, fellow PhD students, research technicians) in the group. This will facilitate integration into the team and transition to independence, In addition to weekly group and subgroup meetings, every PhD student regularly has one-to-one meetings with the PIs to discuss progress of the project, future experiments, ideas, individual training needs, and career plans. The Poole group also has weekly lab meetings at which members present recent data. Each PhD student also has one-to-one weekly meetings with Prof Poole to discuss recent data, future experiments and training requirements.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: 1. Weekly group meeting 2. Weekly ADDovenom subgroup meeting (informal and very hands on), jointly with Berger's group 3. Every two weeks and later monthly, one to one meetings with the PIs 4. Every 2-3 months we have online ADDovenom meetings with individual members consortium (international) 5. Every year we have one online and one in person ADDovenom meeting with the entire consortium (international)
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Initially the student will be working alongside an experienced postdoc, so the working hours of the postdoc will have to be taken into account. These are rarely outside normal working hours. However, some flexibility is required due to the nature of the research (e.g. insect cell expression) meaning occasional evening or weekend working which which is arranged with other members in the team..
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Poole would expect to have a meeting with the student on a bi-weekly basis and for the student to spend a significant time working with his group to learn key technology. Additional ad hoc meetings, including with collaborators and other members of the supervisory team would take place as the need arises.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Schaffitzel and Poole are reachable by email, in the laboratory every day and have an open door policy. Meetings can be arranged in advance if there is a requirement for a longer discussion. In addition, they are available to email discussions and online meetings when not out of office.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained by myself and other members of the team in all experimental and safety aspects within our laboratories.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week;
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Several members of my group are supervised by other schools so you will be exposed to lots of interdisciplinary research discussions.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least core hours of 10-4.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Formal meetings every 3 months. Student will have regular interaction with second supervisor group as we anticipate bioinformatics will run parallel with other project activities. The proximity of Bath to Bristol enables this regular in person interaction.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail/pop by every day
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: In addition to formal courses, hands-on training will be provided on a day to day basis by skilled and experienced Postdocs/PhD students.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Dr Becky Conway Campbell, Prof James Uney, Prof Hugh Piggins
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core hours plus necessary extra time. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Regular meetings (at least once a quarter) and lab secondments.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: As required, at any time, either in person or by email. A response will be provided as soon as possible.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially train with Pisani, Donoghue and members of our lab groups who will be available for day-to-day experimental support. This will be supplemented with weekly lab meetings and fortnightly project review meetings.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Weekly meetings of the Molecular Palaeobiology lab group (Donoghue, Pisani, Williams, Paps, Sachkova), weekly meetings of the Palaeobiology Group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core weekday work hours, 9-5.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meetings with both supervisors every fortnight.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Pisani and Donoghue are in the office 5 days a week and they are accessible at any time outside scheduled meetings. Szollosi and Laumer will be available via email and with scheduled (monthly Zoom meetings).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The Woolfson group is close-knit with considerable peer-to-peer support and training for new PhD students and post-docs alike. All group members attend Monday Group Meetings that cover lab business and training (see below), and Thursday Sub-group Meetings at which ≈1/4 of the group present their work. Open and inclusive discussions are strongly encouraged at these meetings. At the Monday Group Meetings in the first term of the academic year, we have a series of tutorials covering safety, lab philosophy and directions, and the main aspects of the science that we do and methods that we use. In addition, we have 6-monthly 2-day retreats (Mega Meetings) at which all group members present and second supervisors/collaborators attend. After these Mega Meetings, DNW has 1-2-1 meetings with all lab members to discuss progress, plans for the next 6 months, and career plans.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Woolfson group is highly collaborative. Collaborators such as Dr Oliver and Profs Clayden, Dodding, McManus, Savery, and Verkade and their group members regularly attend the Mega Meetings. We also hold monthly meetings on specific grant-funded projects with the Dodding, McManus, and Verkade groups. In addition, we have active and funded collaborations with UK (Scrutton, Manchester; Leggett, Sheffield; Wilson, Birmingham) and overseas (Weiner, UCSF) groups, which are largely managed by monthly zoom meetings and annual in-person meetings. These present many opportunities for widening students’ experience and new collaborations.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a month; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): In order to create a good esprit de corps and working environment, we strongly encourage all students and post-docs to be present in the lab/office Monday to Friday for core hours (e.g. 9 – 5, or 10 – 6). Working from home is allowed when there is a clear need (e.g. at certain thinking-intensive times during writing reports and papers). Flexible working is encouraged for researchers to make the best use of their time and instrument/facilities time (e.g., if instruments are only available in the evenings or at the weekends, and for external facilities (e.g. Diamond Light Source) where access is at set times and may be out of normal office hours. All group members are expected to attend Group Meetings, Mega Meetings, and research-aligned/interesting seminars across the University.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The Verkade and Woolfson groups have worked closely and productively together for >10 years through joint students, grants, and post-docs. This has produced 10 papers in the very best journals (including Science, PNAS, and the Nature journals). This is testament to the excellent and highly collaborative working environment that has been created between the two labs and with other collaborators (e.g. the Dodding, Savery, and other labs). As part of this, joint students and post-docs are encouraged to work seamlessly between the two labs and associated facilities (e.g. Wolfson Bioimaging), and to attend both sets of group meetings. As a result, Paul Verkade would also see and interact with a new SWBio student on a weekly basis. Paul also attends the Woolfson lab Mega Meetings and meetings associated with joint grants (e.g. monthly calls with UCSF on the BBSRC-NSF grant listed above).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Like all academics, DNW has busy weeks. However, he makes himself as accessible to his lab as possible. To do this, he structures his week as follows: Apart from Group Meetings at 4 pm, Mondays are set aside for writing papers (and grants) with students and post-docs; Tuesdays are set aside for Bristol BioDesign and other leadership/administrative business; Wednesdays – Fridays are kept free for meetings with colleagues and his research group. For example, he meets his group every Wednesday morning for coffee and cake; Thursday mornings are set aside for the above-mentioned sub-group meetings; and on Wednesday – Friday afternoons, several hours are blocked out each week for group members to book Drop-ins via Calendar to discuss data and so on in detail face-to-face with DNW. In addition, once each day DNW walks around the lab to talk more casually to the group to address science and any other issues on the spot. Finally, DNW has an open-door policy, so students and post-docs can drop in for any urgent matters.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The main supervisor will introduce the background literature and concepts of the project, plus previous published and unpublished work by their research group that has led to the project. This will include findings from complementary epidemiology research in dementia by the group that provides context to the project. Day-to-day experimental and technical supervision for electrophysiology and behavioural experiments will be provided by suitably qualified post-doctoral fellows and current senior PhD students in the group. Generally, this means one-to-one supervision until the student becomes competent to perform the techniques independently. They will be able to ask for advice from the post-doctoral fellows, PhD students and supervisory team at any time.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have an in person research group meeting every Friday morning in the Biomedical sciences building in Bristol that is shared with members of the Bashir and Warburton research groups to discuss electrophysiology and behavioural experimental results. The student will be based in the same office as other members of the Atan/Bashir/Warburton group in the Biomedical Sciences Building so that they are able to interact with other members of the group, discuss experiments, and socialise together. There are also regular postgraduate research seminars and social activities organised for the students.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Varies year to year as studentship progresses; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The students are normally expected to study full-time (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) but the rotation projects and experimental work could be conducted part-time if the length of the PhD is adjusted pro rata. Some weekend working may be required to look after animals after surgery.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: As mentioned above, the main and second supervisor work closely together and conduct joint weekly research group meetings. The student will also have weekly supervision meetings with the main and second/third supervisor throughout the project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to email daily. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance as the main supervisor works form multiple sites.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training in the lab will be provided by both supervisors during rotation projects. A post-doc and research assistant will also be available in the lab for advice and support on a day-to-day basis.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with:We have weekly meetings with other researchers and research groups within the vet school, and strong collaborative links with researchers and students within the Department of Experimental Psychology and Biological sciences (University of Bristol). We also have collaborative links with the Animal Sentience Researcj group at the LSE (London).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): On a flexible working pattern that takes account of animal husbandry demands and the schedules of other students and technicians working in the lab.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Weekly meetings and additional contact when required.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available by email every day and for arranged meeting at mutual convenience.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Trained by me alongside an experienced PDRA.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: Once a week.
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Joint on-line meetings with Hudson group at Leicester every month.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core hours, some weekends/evenings but not routinely.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Through group meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available almost every day on campus, always available by email, sometimes at conferences of working out of office.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by our postdocs and senior PhD students in the lab. They will be your main point of contact on a daily basis. You will meet with me weekly to discuss your studies and you will meet once week with the group as a whole.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have monthly meetings with the Hodge group who use equivalent fly models of aging and circadian rhythms and there could be possibilities of using flies at certain points in the PhD.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group. As this project explores daily rhythms, there may be some weekend and evening work.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Monthly meetings between both supervisors. Student to spend considerable time during the PhD with the second supervisor's group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to email every day. I am onsite in the building 5 days a week from 9-6pm and students can drop in, but prefer that they book additional meeting with me. We also have a Teams group for sharing advice and alerting people to opportunities and challenges.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by myself and key posdoctoral staff who are experts in the the metodologies that you will be learning. Further day-to-day support will be available from myself and the large group of postdoctoral workers, postgraduate students and students working in the OGU.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Research groups within the School of Chemistry at Bristol are interactive and engagement can easily initiated as required, from attending seminars to fully-fledged collaboration. The OGU also has strong interactions with researchers in the Schools of Geographical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences. The diversity of support available is profound.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Ideally core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this by the student but generally very flexible. Some rota work with other members of the research group to ensure safe occupation of laboratory space. Efficient use of analytical resources may require occasional weekend and evening work but this is the exception more than the norm.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 3 months, student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I may email out-of-hours but do not expect a response unless within working hours. I have an open-door policy and am happy to arrange ad-hoc meetings, in addition to regular meetings, as required.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training will be provided by supervisors and members of their group / laboratories.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Joint weekly meeting with Prof Grierson group. Sparkes group is part of a larger shared lab space with multiple plant research groups enabling interaction.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of research, there may be some weekend work.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 2-3 months, student can spend some time with the second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to email on working days. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance, if urgent could be same day subject to availability.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The PhD student will be introduced to the project by Berger (main supervisor) and then trained in the key technologies required by highly experienced personnel (post-docs, fellow PhD students, lab managers) in the group. Specialist training e.g. in Cryo-EM will be provided by Prof Schaffitzel and members of her team with whom the Berger lab share a floor and works closely together. Specialist training in AAV technology for kidney gene therapy will be provided by the highly qualified personnel in the groups of Gavin Welsh (second supervisor) and Moin Saleem, also part of the supervisory team, at Bristol Renal. Day-to-day experimental support will be provided throughout the project by experienced post-docs and PhD students in the group.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Berger team has joint weekly meetings with the team of Prof Christiane Schaffitzel focusing on protein biochemistry and Cryo-EM, and biweekly meetings with Prof Mark Dillingham's group focusing on genome interventions. Monthly meetings are held with the Bristol Renal group discussing aspects of kidney gene therapy. Ad hoc meetings are held with Patrick Cai's group in Manchester and also with the Max Planck colleagues at three Max Planck Institutes in Germany who are affiliated with the Max Planck-Bristol Centre directed by Berger. Personnel is frequently exchanged between the labs, and there is the opportunity to be physically based in their labs when undertaking aspects of the PhD project aligned with their research areas and technological skill-sets.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Varies year to year as studentship progresses; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group as the need arises due to the techniques acquired. Due to the nature of the research (cell culture maintenance), there may be some limited weekend and evening working which is arranged with other members in the team.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Welsh (second supervisor) and Berger have been collaborating for the last 4 years. Welsh would expect to have a meeting with the student on a weekly basis and for the student to spend a significant time working with his group. A meeting between the student and both supervisors would take place once every two weeks. Additional ad hoc meetings would take place as the need arises.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Berger is available to e-mail every day and in person always when Berger is in Bristol (open door policy). He may contact the student outside of working hours per e-mail, but does not expect responses outside working hours. Project meetings ideally are arranged in advance, but can be ad-hoc if needed anytime. Always welcome to drop in if the office door is open (which is most of the time).
University of Bristol – Medical Sciences
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Dr Edgar Buhl co-investigator on my BBSRC will train and day to day supervise student in fly ephys . Krasi supervise modelling. Hugh and Mino mouse electrophysiology. I will supervise the overall PhD supervision.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 10
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience students. I am Postgraduate Director. Students on SWBio DTP, GW4 MRC and ARUK, AS and DRI PhD networks. Interact with MRC and Bioclocks circadian network PhD students.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Day to day ad hoc and weekly lab meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Daily in person, by email (~1hr response time) and whatsapp (<1hr response rate)
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and i will be available to provide regular experimental support and training throughout the studentship. Further training and day-to-day support will be provided by an experienced research technician.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We will have joint weekly group meetings with the Harrison lab, who work on plant evolution and development. The research will take place in a highly communal and collaborative laboratory shared by 7 plant molecular biology groups, ensuring regular contact with other PhD students working on aligned topics.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): There is scope for flexibility but to ensure a collaborative environment work within core hours (10-4) is strongly encouraged. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meetings will be arranged with both supervisors every 3 months. The first rotation project will take place in the second supervisor's research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am present in the department every day and will also be working regularly in the lab. You are welcome to contact me outside of scheduled meetings, either in person or by email. I may contact you outside of working hours but i do not expect a response outside of working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: I will oversee training and support, although direct supervision/support in the laboratory is likely to be provided by research staff (PDRAs and experienced PhD students). The nature of the project means that additional training on specialised facilities/instrumentation (e.g. circular dichroism spectroscopy, SAXS) is likely to be provided by staff from outside the group. Training at Diamond Light Source is typically provided by beamline staff, underpinned by online materials and mandatory safety training, but will be supported by experienced users within the group.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: I share laboratory space with Prof. Matthew Avison, and equipment with Prof. Ruth Massey in the adjoining laboratory. Much of the biophysical instrumentation to be used is managed as small facilities, with expertise shared across multiple research groups (e.g. Anderson, Curnow).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): My group works flexibly, though most attend within core hours (10 – 4 pm). The research will involve use of shared facilities within and likely outside Bristol. In particular, use of Diamond Light Source to collect X-ray scattering data may involve occasional work at unsociable hours as the facility runs 24/7 and time is typically allocated in 8-hour shifts.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: RP2 will be led by the second supervisor. In the first year of the project we envisage regular meetings (minimum monthly) with both supervisors, with regular meetings throughout the remainder of the project. Specifically, AMS will support the student in accessing and using beamlines of Diamond Light Source for SAXS experiments, and in processing resulting data.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am accessible daily by email, and keep an open door policy when in my office. Students are welcome to drop in at any time, but I may ask them to return later if I have urgent tasks to attend to. I will arrange more formal meetings in advance, and would encourage students to book meetings ahead of time in my electronic calendar if they want to be sure of catching me. I favour face-to-face meetings whenever possible, though on occasion my caring responsibilities require me to work from home which may result in some student meetings taking place online. I may email outside working hours but do not expect responses outside of these.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me alongside other members of the supervisory team in various key research skills and ways of working. Further day-to-day support will be provided by relevant members of the supervisory team, group postdocs and other postgraduate students.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 4
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have weekly and bi-weekly meetings as part of various shared interest networks within Bristol Veterinary School. These include weekly Farm Animal Discussion Group meetings, bi-weekly Infection, Inflammation and Immunotherapy meetings and bi-weekly Genomics Group meetings . There is the opportunity to be physically based in a shared working space with other students, postdocs and academics aligned with the project research area.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Ideally within core hours (10-4) to align with others’ availability and promote a shared research culture. Other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of the computer-based research, there may be flexibility on an individual basis.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between all supervisors every week and opportunity to join a weekly health data science group meeting jointly with researchers in Population Health Sciences; student to spend some time during PhD with second supervisors' research group for skill development.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. Most communication will be inside of working hours unless required/emergency. I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first due to high numbers of meetings during the average work day.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by Dr Sachkova and Prof Donghue as well as members of our lab groups. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by Sachkova. Training with RNAseq analysis will be provided by Dr Segers. Training in coral culture will be provided by Sachkova and aquarium facility staff with contribution of expertise by Dr Modepalli.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Weekly meetings of the Molecular Palaeobiology lab group (Donoghue, Pisani, Williams, Paps, Sachkova); Fortnight meetings of Evolutionary group including over 20 PIs and their lab members; Dr Sachkova's lab and aquarium spaces are shared with other groups including Genner, Harrison, and Stroeymeyt allowing interaction with students and postdocs from across the School of Biological sciences.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting with both supervisors at least once a month; Student to perform second rotation project with second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Sachkova and Donoghue are in the office every day and are accessible at any time outside scheduled meetings. and are also available through e-mails.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: As well as weekly lab meetings (where the PhD student may present ~once per month), I have weekly 1-to-1 PhD meetings where progress is discussed, plans are made and the student presents a paper they have read. Practice talk opportunities are given if the student is planning on giving a talk. In the lab, the student will be given initial training by me and other relevant members of the team, and one member of the team will provide day-to-day supervision. The DNA-Protein Interaction Unit labs are shared with 4 other groups, so there are lots of other PDRAs and PhDs who can provide advice and support. We additionally identify training courses and opportunities that the student can participate in, where relevant.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The DNA-Protein Interactions Unit has open-plan labs and offices shared by 5 groups working on different aspects of molecular genetics. There are fortnightly "Supergroup" meetings where people present to the whole group. A PhD student might present 1-2 times per year.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Standard working hours (9-5), 5-days per week. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend their second rotation working with the Cheung group directly, but after that it is expected that contact will be frequent (given that we share the same lab). Formal meetings every 2-months will be scheduled, but these may be more frequent if the student is concentrating on structural determination.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am in every day. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will work with 2-3 postdoctoral researchers depending on the specific techniques in order to learn these techniques and as a point of contact. I will meet you every week for an hour as a scheduled one-to-one meeting (more flexibly if required) to provide project guidance and academic support. We hold a group meeting every fortnight face-to-face and all students.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Jim Spencer's group shares the same lab; Ruth Massey's group is next door. We have shared office space so there is mixing.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): There are no specific required hours. Maintenance of good relationships with colleagues may require communication about working hours. The nature of bacteriology is that sometimes it will be necessary to come in at weekends to start/finish cultures.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Both supervisors on the same floor and share a lab. It is anticipated that the second supervisor – outside of the rotation project where contact will be more frequent – meet the student monthly.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Email me anytime. I will likely email you at odd times but you should only respond when you can. Meetings will be scheduled at the same time every week for a year in advance. But considerable flexibility will be required on both sides as we will both be busy.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: PGA will provide training and guidance for the student and will be supported by MCA and CT. The project will complement a BBSRC funded project in PGA's lab which also includes a postdoc (due to start late 2023) and a technician. The postdoc in particular will be able to assist on daily requests and will have significant expertise in the types of experiments being undertaken by the PhD student. The Anastasiades and Ashby labs share office space, which will give the student access to a number of other students and postdocs who will also be able to assist with technical and administrative matters where necessary.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have weekly shared lab meetings that include the Anastasiades, Ashby and Mellor groups focusing on neural circuits. The student will also be able to spend some time with Dr Tiagret in Cardiff, or to interact with him and his lab virtually.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Expected working within core hours with additional work managed around this based on project demands. Weekend work is expected to be minimal, but may include occasionally being contactable during weekends in case animal welfare issues arise related to their experiments.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will attend joint lab meetings with the 2nd supervisor every week. We will have individual student meetings that will include both supervisors every 1-2 months and will include the 3rd supervisor via zoom/teams where necessary.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Always available to e-mail. Students have a weekly scheduled 1-hour slot to meet with me every week which is organised well in advance. We also have a weekly lab meeting which includes both PGA and MCA's lab members. My door is always open and I am happy to chat with students about ideas, questions, or problems as they arise.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Curnow remains active in the laboratory and expects to provide training directly to the student over the rotation project and further into the project. This includes daily contact and support with all aspects of experimental design, data collection and data analysis. Additional supervision can be provided by an experienced PDRA when required. For computational work, the student will follow the standard on-boarding process of the Mulholland lab, including dedicated training by an experienced PDRA.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a joint weekly meeting with the Anderson lab (Bristol Biochemistry), discussing our shared interests in heme protein design and biosynthesis. As well as work-in-progress talks these meetings also include discussions of 'hot topics' and literature reviews. The schools of Chemistry and Biochemistry both have an active seminar series that includes visiting speakers with an interest in synthetic biology and biological chemistry.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Flexible working can be accommodated, and some remote working where appropriate. No evening or weekend work required.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Student to spend 3-month rotation project in Mulholland lab, and to attend their regular group meetings. This includes opportunities to present findings for critical evaluation. We will hold joint supervisory meetings with the student every 6 weeks to ensure coherent supervision of the two aspects of the project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Both supervisors are available to email every day and respond quickly. Curnow is on campus (and very often present in the lab) almost every day. Casual contact with supervisors e.g. office drop-in, coffee time is encouraged and occurs regularly with existing group members. Emails to be sent and read within working hours whenever possible.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially train with Donoghue, Pisani and members of our lab groups who will be available for day-to-day experimental support. This will be supplemented with weekly lab meetings and fortnightly project review meetings.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Weekly meetings of the Molecular Palaeobiology lab group (Donoghue, Pisani, Williams, Paps, Sachkova), weekly meetings of the Palaeobiology Group, weekly meetings of Ziheng Yang's online lab group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Core weekday work hours, 9-5.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting with both supervisors at least once a month.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Donoghue and Pisani are in the office 5 days a week and they are accessible at any time outside scheduled meetings. Lenton, Yang, dos Reis, Williams are available to email or Zoom call every day
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be initially be trainined by senior postdoctoral researchers and PhD students in the lab. Further day-to-day experimental support will be provided by the group (both PhDs and postdocs) and the main supervisor. Your main points of contact will be the main supervisor and the senior postdocs.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a fortnightly 'Circuits of Life' sLoLa group meeting, and 'all hands' sLoLa meetings every 6 months. In addition, we are co-located with Paul Curnow's group and run joint group meetings and lab retreats.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The lab works on standard core hours, self-selected between 8am and 7pm, and at least covering 10am-4pm to maximise interactions with the rest of the group and main supervisor.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will be present at most fortnightly sLoLa meetings, will attend Anderson group meetings where the student is presenting (and vice versa).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to contact by email or group WhatsApp channel every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but do not expect responses outside working hours. I also operate an open-door policy and my office is co-located in the same large lab as the group office.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained by the main supervisor and second supervisor. Further day-to-day experimental support will be provided by our postdoc and your main point of contact on a daily basis.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 9
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We will have joint meeting with Ian Cadby's group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): It will be within core hours.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between supervisors every other week, and work together in the lab.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: We run a welcoming and supportive research group. The supervisor(s) meet weekly with individual team members and weekly as a group. Depending on the task, day-to-day training may be provided by the supervisor directly or postdocs and other PhD students in the group. Our lab contains a broad range of interests and expertise, including bioinformatics, genomics, neurodevelopment, neuroanatomy, behaviour and ecology. The student will therefore be exposed to a broad range of biological concepts. We also have support from School technicians for some lab and computational activities. Support and supervisor style is tailored to the student to meet their preferred and most productive working needs.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will interact with the research groups of all three supervisors during the project, as well as with international collaborators working on related projects. Within the School of Biological Sciences, the postgraduate community has an active social and academic program that successfully promotes interactions among early career researchers.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We typically work Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00, but are flexible and relaxed about working hours. I discourage working at the weekends and evenings unless it is necessary or supports a healthy work/life balance.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will spend rotation project 2 with the second supervisor, meeting weekly with them during that period. Subsequently meetings will be set according to the needs of the project, but will be at least once a term.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available by email every day during working hours, or students can drop into my office for anything urgent, schedule extra meetings as required, or ask for an informal chat over coffee.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training is initial provided as a mix of hands-on work with the PI and other members of the research team, as well as self-guided learning that will be agreed upon starting the PhD project. Day-to-day support is provided by all members of the lab and the PI is available via arranged meetings or email and other online messaging platforms (if urgent).
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The main supervisor shares a lab with the Parmeggiani group that works on protein-related synthetic biology and we have joint lab group meetings several times each year. The main supervisor also works closely with the Marucci and Grierson labs on whole cell modelling and interactions may be possible if the project moves in that direction.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10–4) and other times to be managed around this.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: It is expected that there will be meetings with both supervisors each month and for the student to carry out placements in the second supervisor's lab. This will be possible due to the ease of travel between Bristol and Bath.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: The main supervisor is available to email everyday and, if his door is open, is happy to have an in-person discussion.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will have initial meetings with the main supervisors and will receive hands on relevant lab training under supervision of the appropriate postdoc, PhD students or research technicians.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We hold regular in-person weekly research meetings with the Warburton group, at which group members present data or 'journal club' style presentations. We shall now include Wilkinson (new collaboration) and his group in these weekly meetings. We will have regular online (monthly meetings) with the Exeter supervisory team (Brown and his research team). In addition, as the project progresses, we will also include in person meetings with the Exeter team. Our research group also have regular 'journal club' meetings with the Jack Mellor and Mike Ashby research groups.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Normally within core hours. Where in vivo work is carried out then this may carry over outside core hours and may also involve occasional monitoring of animals outside core hours.
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: We will arrange monthly online meetings with the Exeter group. As the project progresses, we will also have in-person meetings especially when the student carries out in vivo work in Brown's group in Exeter.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available by email every day. I do not normally email students outside normal hours. Always welcome to talk to me when i am in my office. I also normally pop into the lab once a day. Sometimes it might be necessary to arrange a meeting in advance – just stop by or email to check.