Hi Hugh

Yes this post is full time but the first one I applied for was part time. I think its best to set up job alerts with jobs.ac.uk in your field that way you will be aware of post as soon as they come up.

Good luck tree of life!

Congratulations!

My next interview was a success!! Here's how it went

Position: Research Assistant
Panel: Three members
Interview length: 50 minutes including 10 minute presentation

A selection of questions asked:

Why do you want this job?
What can you bring to the project
What experience do you have with methods and analysis
Tell me about your ability to plan
what type of software do you have experience of
What makes a good researcher


Again it was a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I hope people find these posts useful:)

Hello,

I worked part time for the first 3 years of my PhD and I managed it fine with detailed planning. I'm writing up now and have been applying for jobs. I've just secured a fixed term full-time post. I was on schedule to finish in 6 months but have taken the decision to take a suspension to focus on the post (I aim to still work on the thesis when I can). This is part of my career development but to do it all at once would be too much.

Good luck!

Hey folks,

I've recently started applying for short term posts to see me through the final months of my thesis. So far I've been invited for two interviews out of two applications. i figure at least I must be writing strong applications. I have had one interview so far and was unsuccessful. I plan on sharing the process here and will add my next experience once its over. Feel free to add any of your own experiences to this thread to help others during this daunting but exciting time.

Position: Research Assistant
Where : Russell group university
Panel: Two members
Interview length: 35 minutes

Questions Asked: 6 questions (although some where two part questions)

Why do you want this job?
Tell me about your skills set in relation to qualitative analysis
Tell me about your proposed publications
What themes do you see emerging from the research project for publication?
What specialist knowledge do you have that could contribute to the project (in relation to the project)

I can't remember the last question but weaved in amongst this were comptency based questions about team work and organisation skills. The interview atmosphere was very relaxed, I was told the next day I was unsuccessful but when I started to reflect I was perhaps not a good fit for the project. I have however requested feedback.

I will add my next experience but hope this is helpful to others:)

Hi Folks,

Well I was unsuccessful for the first interview I went for but have another one in two weeks. I have to prepare a 5 minute presentation on the project (not my research). Has anyone done this before, the topic is so broad I don't know where to start!

Any advice appreciated again

Thanks!:)

Hey folks. I'm writing up and have applied for a few research assistant posts to see me through the final months. Got notification of an interview yesterday (for 3 days time!) . Can anyone advise me of how to prepare for this? What questions ahould I expect? Thanks for your advice. I really need it!

Yeah thanks, I ended up just staying that on top of my phd i also undertook various other projects that involved data collection or analysis (saying what they were of course!). Hopefully it will be enough.

Thanks!

Its a research post. I have to go through the specification and state how I meet the criteria.
One of the points is: '1-2 years relevant research experience'

I guess my PhD research can be discussed here but not sure how to word it given the fact that i've talked about it so much already.

Hi Folks,

I'm applying for a job just now. Not finished my thesis yet but starting to apply to get experience filling in the long tedious application. What do people add when asked to report on their research experience in a related field if you have not finished your PhD yet.

Thanks in advance:)

Hello,

I thought I would feedback on this post to share my experience with others who may be feeling similar pressures. It's now four months on, and I'm still here. Very close to finalising my data collection and half way through my data analysis. I have since experienced more issues with the bully in question.I had been coping until this point but really let it get to me this time. However, my responses were always with courtesy to said person so I did not stoop a lower level. I also spoke to my supervisory team again about the situation. One advised me that if it continues I have grounds to make a complaint against the member of staff and the other was of the attitude of just stay out their way and focus on thesis.

As I am so close to finishing I decided to take the latter approach and focus on my thesis and I am practising mindfulness techniques to stop my emotions from taking over, I can't change this person's attitude so I am focusing solely on achieving my goals! so far so good (albeit a long way off!).

Additionally, I have managed to present my research a couple of times. I won't lie, I did use beta blockers to control my physical symptoms but as a result I was able to get through it and focus on what I was doing. The rewards of this are more confidence to do it again. So if anyone is feeling the way I did a few months ago stick in there, speak out if you need any form of support and jump each hurdle as it comes.

Also thanks to everyone on this forum for their support. (no doubt i'll be back looking for more!)

Hi folks,

Thanks. Can really see that i'm over complicating it just now. I'm going to focus on my preliminary findings and cut the rest back. Hopefully i'll get it right!

Hello,

Has anyone had to do a 10 minute presentation before? I have to do one for the faculty at the end of June. I have my structure and material but not sure where to put most of my focus? i'm in my final year so have alot of material. Structure - so far but this is working out to be about 25 minutes.

Limited introduction - about myself/research interest
Background to research
Framework for research
research questions
methods
Findings to date
Future research
Impact and summary!

How can I condense this. any advice appreciated. Thanks

Thank you so much for your kind words. I think i'll print this and put it in my home office.

I did report it to my supervisor who was not very supportive at all, yet others I have confided in can clearly see the behaviour. I also went to counselling for awhile, I found the best course of action has been to work off campus, its just not been that much fun at all - not that I expect the PhD to be fun! I will soldier on and try to positive, I keep telling myself the proof is in the thesis - which get me through writing but the presentation just always knocks me for six. I am going to try really hard to take your advice, its frustrating trying to overcome a barrier like this.

Thank you again:)