I have a choice of two PhD's. One is with a large group with an enthusiastic supervisor, and lots of current PhD students. The second project is in a very small lab, with my supervisor not being really an expert in the field I will be working on if i were to choose her lab. She is very kind, but has had few past PhD students. Both projects are as interesting as each other. What shall I do?

I'm sure there are lots of students out there who would give ANYTHING to have an enthusiastic supervisor and lots of fellow students, but you might enjoy the control and freedom you're likely to have if you're in a smaller lab. It might be lonely though. It's more worrying that you say the supervisor isn't an expert in her field - this doesn't mean she's not capable, but I guess things will be harder.

Do what's best for you, don't worry about hurting her feelings (you say 'she's very kind') - this is WORK, feelings shouldn't come into it, try and distance yourself emotionally. One essential thing - lots of students usually means lots of money. Make sure your supervisor has some! If she doesn't, this will make life very hard - I wouldn't take the project on. Is one supervisor young and the other older?

I was in the same position, you have to see which one is the best for you career wise. Money is a good point. Do you want to be someone who wants to publish etc make a name for yourself in your field - then the enthusiastic one is the one to go for. If you want to get on with your phd and then get out then maybe the kind one is the one for you. Youve got to bear in mind that within a big group...there is a lot of org politics that goes on.....

Dont worry Im sure you will make the right decision. I think they all sound like Pickle Sandwiches.

The bigger lab might be the better choice if the supervisor is well known. The supervisor will have collaborations with other labs and will have network of connections to other labheads which could help you when you try to find a Postdoc.