Dr John James
University of Warwick

Contact Details

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Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Richard Feynman: “What I cannot create, I do not understand”

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

Supportive, guiding, responsive

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

Provision of training:

As a small group, I invariably take responsibility for your technical training at first, provoding a strong foundation to more independence later. As part of your growth as a scientist during your PhD, I would expect you to independently seek out new avenues for learning, including growing your peer network within the university.

Progression monitoring and management:

Scientific research is very iterative, relying on a back-and-forth between the person doing the research and those guiding it. I expect regular, in-formal discussions about how work is going so that I can provide insights/input so you can get be as efficient as possible in the lab. As I often still do bench-work myself, this might be done in real time! We organise group meetings every two weeks where each group member presents their work, and we all provide feedback.

Communication:

We use a Teams group and individual ‘Chats’ to keep the group up-to-date on lab work. I may message at odd times due to childcare duties, but I never expect replies outside of core working hours. I am always available to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

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

At least once per fortnight

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 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 (if required) on every working day.

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.