Hello everybody,

I've actually never used a forum but please stick with me. I figured this would be the best place to seek advice, as I'm sure many people have been through this process before! :)

I am currently a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS and have been for almost a year. I am enjoying it, however, I've always had the intention to follow a career cardiac research. I graduated with a first in Bsc Biomedical Science, whilst completing a placement in both immunology and haematology laboratories as a sandwich year to gain practical experience, as I knew these were previously my weakest subjects (which thankfully ended up my strongest).

After graduating in 2014, I soon applied for a PhD in RA and was invited to interview. However, as bad as it sounds... it wasn't really a subject I was passionate about. I felt pressure over obtaining a PhD and jumped for the first immunology one that first became available, putting myself under extreme pressure. Sadly, at the same time, I faced parental bereavement which was very sudden and unexpected. I still attended the interview, but to no surprise, I didn't get it. At the time I felt devastated and really began to doubt my scientific ability, not just at graduate level but also as a career. I received good feedback from my interview, with improvements being advised to obtain more practical laboratory experience to strengthen my application.

Since then, I have worked within a Haematology/Transfusion laboratory whilst volunteering my skills with my old senior lecturer in a chronic inflammation research project. Just before Christmas, a post was advertised in cardiac immunology at a nearby University. I decided to contact the supervisor and enquire about my suitability for the role, to which he asked for a copy of my CV. He then replied, asking if I could meet him for a quick informal chat about the structure of the studentship. I arrived... to three other members of staff, not what I expected! Running out of words, so I'll continue as a reply...

The meeting lasted almost two hours, in which we discussed their previous research I had read and the methodologies they planned to use. I received an email twenty minutes later from the supervisor with the research proposal and a thanks for the meeting. I sent my application last Tuesday, receiving an email from the supervisor on Wednesday asking if I could meet the same staff next month at a time that suited me. From then, both of my references have been asked to supply comments on my suitability and admissions have been in contact with me for proof of my transcripts and address (?).

So this brings me to my current spot, which is researching all possible aspects and practicing interview questions. I can't help but shrug the disappointment I felt from my last application denial and the anxiety that it could all go wrong again, but I am trying to focus on the positives. I was hoping for some advice and opinions on the application process - what questions were you asked for immunology PhDs? What are big do's and dont's? How was the application process for you?

Thank you all!

I'm not sure whether you will get many replied specifically about immunology PhDs, but there should be previous threads on here regarding interview questions and do's and don'ts.

Good luck with your interview!

Thank you for your reply!

I am currently just practicing questions and trying to condense their previous findings, hopefully this will be enough! Having a scout through the forum I've managed to find some helpful advice.

Hopefully if I get the PhD, I can become a regular here :)