Professor David Grainger
University of Birmingham

Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Lots of other scientists inspire me, for many different reasons.

In three words or phrases how would you describe your supervision style?

Patient, supportive, focused

In one or two sentences please describe your strategies regarding the following.

Provision of training:

You will receive training not only in lab based skills but also scientific writing and presentations. This training might be from a post-doctoral researcher, another PhD student, or (particularly in the latter two skills) me. You will be encouraged to ask for help when you need it but also to become more independent as you get more confident. Ultimately, you should be confident enough to train somebody yourself towards the end of the PhD.

Progression monitoring and management:

I meet all of my PhD students on a 1:1 basis every week. These meetings may last an hour or more if you need help with planning experiments, interpreting data, or troubleshooting problems. On other occasions, a quick 5 minute chat is sufficient to confirm you’re encountering no major problems. The whole lab meets weekly so that people can present their work to other lab members. I often pop into the lab/office for informal chats with lab members.

Communication:

The lab uses slack to communicate with each other on day-to-day lab running matters. I also contribute but less frequently, this is really their domain. I’m often free to chat during the day if you have any specific problems to discuss. I’m also very responsive by email or phone when away from the University.

How often do your PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting?

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

What form do your 1:1 meetings with PhD students take?

Face to face (if allowed under current health and safety advice)

Open door policy?

Yes, I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

My expectation of PhD student working patterns?

The timing of work in my lab is mostly flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice for feedback (e.g. on reports, manuscript drafts, thesis chapters)?

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.