In three words or phrases: Collaborative, empowering, trusting

Provision of Training

We will work at the start of the PhD to identify any gaps in your technical knowledge for the project and then either I, or one of my talented team of PhD students and postdocs will train you in the lab. As you become more experienced it will likely be that you will identify techniques you want to use and appropriate people to ask for support, but I will always be there to help if needed.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will meet with you on a weekly basis to see how things are going and to make a responsive plan going forwards - if things have not gone to plan then that is not a problem and we will work together to troubleshoot and identify the next steps. As you become more independent I am happy for you to take the lead on the direction of the project; it is your PhD you need to make the most of it, but you will get my full support to do this.

Communication

I often communicate by email and I appreciate prompt replies but this does not mean instant – you may well be in the lab or having a life - it is important to have balance. We have a lab WhatsApp group for quick questions that the entire team can help with.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face or via video chat or telephone, and although I have an open door policy my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

Working Pattern

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 Period for Feedback

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