Dr Joshua Quick
University of Birmingham

Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Fred Sanger – because I love sequencing and he invented how to do it, twice!

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

Laid-back, technique-oriented, supportive

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

Provision of training:

I prefer to spend quite a lot of one-on-one time in the lab initially, teaching techniques and best practices for lab work. Over time I would give you more time working independently intervening only when you need help. You will gain a lot of experience doing nanopore sequencing and learn to analyse your own data though the development of bioinformatics skills. I am an instructor on a number of workshops which you will be able to take part in.

Progression monitoring and management:

My group is small so I am usually available to offer help or guidance. I would like you to have a say in the direction of the project as this will allow you develop as an independent researcher. I like to have a weekly lab meeting to discuss new data and plan next experiments.

Communication:

We use email/Slack/WhatsApp for communicating in my group which we use during the week. I would not email you outside of working hours nor would expect you to. We mainly use Slack for discussing projects and WhatsApp for notifications/arrangements etc.

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

6.4 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 fortnight

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 3 or 4 days per week.

My expectation of PhD student working patterns?

The timing of work in my lab is completely 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.