In three words or phrases: Supportive, interested, not a micro manager.
Provision of Training
I provide general direction as well as some specific input, though day-to-day support is provided by other group members, e.g., the solid-state NMR group experimental officer or other more experienced group members (PhD students and post-docs). I work interactively with you on paper writing, providing detailed feedback on figures and text that you draft, so that you learn to improve your scientific writing style.
Progression Monitoring and Management
There are weekly one-hour long all-group meetings (my group is relatively small with typically 3 to 6 PhD students at any one time). Otherwise, I have an open door (and open inbox if not in my office) and prioritise helping PhD students I supervise when they have queries, organising ad hoc meetings as required. In particular, I especially prioritise when you are writing up, providing timely feedback on drafts. I will not micro manage you.
Communication
Usually, I only send emails to you during working hours, and I do not use Whatsapp or similar means of communication. I respond promptly (within 1 working day) when you contact me and, in return, I expect you to be on top of your inbox and respond to emails similarly promptly.
PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:
In a group meeting
At least once per week
In year 1 of PhD study
At least once per week
In year 2 of PhD study
At least once per week
In year 3 of PhD study
At least once per week
Pre COVID, I had scheduled individual meetings after an all-group meeting on Friday morning, once a week (usually ~15 minutes long) as well as ad hoc meetings. Currently, no scheduled meetings, rather interaction is by email and ad hoc online meetings.
The meetings will be a mixture of face to face or via video chat and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.
Working Pattern
Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team. In particular, NMR spectrometers run 24/7, so there will be some out of hours working.
Notice Period for Feedback
I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.
