Be happy you're finishing your PhD! This is the most important thing.

On the publications front, try writing something between submission and your viva. Also look at publishing your thesis (or a shortened version).

There is a growing market for HE lawyers, and some firms have now got a niche in this area (one guy's case was raised on this forum so if you search around, you might find a link to his blog, and his lawyer).

Before you go down the legal road though, think very hard about how this make affect your career (eg. references) and are you willing to pay legal fees (eg. there is no legal aid for PI).

Jojo - I'm in the same position as you. I have work from years ago, and now I read it and say 'what the hell did I mean?', followed by 'I really need to improve this!'.

If you feel you have enough information though, you should draw a line, otherwise you'll be going around in circles re-visiting old research and finding new work. I can't stop looking at new material, and in process getting nothing down on paper, but rather creating very long 'to-do' lists.

Try to focus on your core work, and what you already have on paper (easier said than done, I know!).

======= Date Modified 23 Oct 2009 18:50:01 =======
As far as I'm aware, they are assigned to departments, and then they are awarded on the merit of the student's application. I've very rarely seen internal funding offered generally i.e. applicants from all subjects can compete. Some disciplines (or sub-disciplines) don't fit neatly into the scope of any of the research council's funding areas, so they often get more internal funding opportunities. Also some departments simply don't attract enough PhDers (probably modern languages is a good example), so they may get more money to attract good candidates. I'm sure there is lots of other criteria/politics behind who gets what and why though.

But, yes, you are being reasonable to expect some figures on where it goes. I'm not sure how you'd go about obtaining such information without annoying someone, but you could submit a Freedom of Information Act request to least find out which departments get what (although you might not necessarily find the reasons behind the allocation).

Just to add, it would be interesting to know if the research councils are transparent about who gets what.

Well I got offered job position abroad - sounds a good day? but it was at PhD salary level (so low I can't take it). I'm also preparing for marathon lecture that I'm not sure I'm even giving.

======= Date Modified 20 Oct 2009 14:36:56 =======
142 unsuccessful applications is not uncommon (although as others have said, I would also say go over your CV, and possibly consult someone who specialises in careers/cv writing). My cousin made over 200 applications before landing a permanent post - he got just one interview and then an offer at a beautiful US university. So I would say don't give up, wj_gibson!

I agree with you about having another career option/marketing oneself outside academia. It's very important to be more than just an academic now - I've been advised to privately practice/dual qualify before going into academia because competition is fierce.

Edit: Have you looked abroad, Wj_gibson? In my discipline at least, there seems to be more positions being advertised abroad than in the UK.

Check out the British Council website, they sometimes have some really good sources of funding listed.

Publications and research experience will certainly help, but more important good grades in your degrees, good references and a great research proposal (and informal communication with prospective supervisors).

======= Date Modified 18 Oct 2009 18:24:26 =======
Many congratulations Magic Gini! (up)

Would prospective and current students be interested in joining you? What about funding? And what would you do with your results?

It's a good idea, but not really worth it unless you have a tangible benefit at the end of it i.e. a publication.

======= Date Modified 01 Oct 2009 21:28:33 =======
I think HR is right and your sup is wrong here. NICs are payable by everyone, but only once you earn over a certain amount per week - as far as I know they are not refundable. But you can definitely get your money back for any occupational pension scheme contributions (HR really should have asked you about that). You may want to check out whether you're eligible for tax credits. Also if you didn't earn 6500 (ish) in the last tax year, you might be able to get a tax rebate.

That said, you would be wise to check out your tax/NIC liability with HMRC (they have phonelines on their website). HR often get tax codes wrong.

======= Date Modified 29 Sep 2009 18:08:21 =======

Many congratulations, Dr K!

Hey Lara, many congratulations!!! This is brilliant news! I'm so happy for you. :-) You showed your supervisors, eh!

It's given me some fire in my belly to get my thesis finished.

I say 'hello' in formal situations (eg an interview), but 'hi' in any other situation or increasingly 'hey' (picked up from close N.American friends).
I never say 'hiya', but I would regard it as more informal than 'hi'.
I tend to say 'hello there'/'hi there' when on the phone.

Good luck Lara!

I'll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you tomorrow.