I was interviewed by a panel for a post-doctoral research post at a top university this week.
In terms of the new research topic for the post, I doubt there was anyone better who could have handled it, given my own PhD background and research topic. I was very disappointed to have been turned down a couple of days after the interview. I was just wondering if people on PhD Forum have had much experience of panel interviews? How fair are they really? I still cannot help thinking that they can be window dressing in terms of fairness. Of course I am seeking feedback, but I wonder if people have previously encountered or found out about the chosen candidate only to find out that they were selected on arbitrary grounds?

Hi there
Thanks for asking how the job interview went. I had a forty minute panel interview where they asked me 8 questions I felt comfortable with. However, I did not get the job and I asked for feedback. The panel chose someone with a more relevant 'skills set', a bit wishy washy. This was my second university job application. A friend of mine who now teaches at a UK university has asked me whether I would like to join her project next year. I am interested and hope she can get some funding for the venture. So things are looking up anyway!

Hi Guys
I am excited to be interviewed for a research associate post tomorrow at a prestigious university, my first academic job interview. I have been emailed a request to forward my previous publications. The job application does not stipulate that previous publications are a prerequisite. I am awaiting my viva and hope to be conferred my PhD in September, so for me it is early days. I just hope that I am not turned down on the grounds of not having prior publications under my belt? Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hi there
Your proposed area of research would come under sociology, a lot of universities offer studying and research in sociology. Take your pick!

Hi there
This is not the first time I have heard of idea poaching by supervisors. I don't know whether you can safeguard your creation by taking out a patent with a solicitor? You may need to have evidence that your ideas pre-date anyone else's in the field to warrant this protection.
I can appreciate that you are in a delicate situation of wishing to finish your PhD amicably. However, if the intention of your supervisors is to poach your materials, then you may need to think about bringing in an outside body such as the QAA to monitor the situation.

I would advise you to go onto the following website, as the QAA oversees the quality control of universities.

Hi there
Are you able to get a copy of the University's appeal rules? All Universities have an internal appellate system.
On what grounds were you expelled? Do you have this in writing? Have you thought about involving the Student Union to assist with your case? There may also be an external regulatory body to look into matters. Please keep us posted and do not despair.