job description of a phd student

Responsibilities of the Ph.D. Student

Ph.d. student responsibilities.

• Students are responsible for calling advisory meetings with their dissertation advisors and advisory committee members, as needed, and organizing the time and place for these meetings.
• Ideally, progress will be such that at least one committee meeting per semester with the full committee will be held. Meetings with the dissertation advisor and individual advisory committee members are held as often as needed.
• Students will provide written drafts of work and meeting agendas at least 10 working days before meetings are held.
• Make certain that all necessary Graduate School forms and paperwork are filed in a timely manner.
• Provide to the Program Director the version of the dissertation prospectus that is to be included in the comprehensive exam for approval, with advisory committee signatures, before the date of the exam is set.
• The student is responsible for finding a date and location for the public presentation and the oral defense of the dissertation prospectus. The date must be set to include either the Director of the Graduate Program and/or the department chair, as well as all advisory committee members.
• Provide to the Program Director the final version of the dissertation prospectus with all requested revisions.
• When the advisory committee deems the dissertation ready for defense, the student is responsible for finding a date and location for the public presentation and the oral defense. The date must be set to include either the Director of the Graduate Program and/or the department chair, as well as all advisory committee members.
• Provide to the Program Director an electronic version of the revised and approved dissertation exactly as it is submitted to the University Library.
• Assure that all Graduate Program forms, paperwork, and memos are filed with the Graduate School and are routed through the program director.
• The student is ultimately responsible for making  satisfactory progress .

Dissertation Advisor Responsibilities

Once the student files the Program of Study with the Graduate School, the student’s academic advisor changes from the Graduate Program Director to the faculty member named as the dissertation advisor on the Program of Study. By taking on the role of dissertation advisor, a faculty member agrees to invest a significant amount of time with the student. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to ensure that he/she has sufficient time for this role.

The number of advisees a faculty member takes on must be commensurate with an ability to provide for all student advisees. In cases where a faculty member has insufficient time or capacity to provide a strong dissertation advisory role, the Program Director may advise the student to choose a different dissertation advisor. While the dissertation advisor is not ultimately responsible for whether the student makes satisfactory progress, in cases where the faculty member is overcommitted, he/she will do the student a better service by requesting that the student finds another dissertation advisor. The faculty member may continue to advise the student as an advisory committee member.

• The dissertation advisor will monitor the student’s progress.
• If the student falls behind in achieving any milestones, the dissertation advisor will provide the Program Director with a written memo that indicates this as soon as possible once the milestone is missed. Subsequent decisions to terminate GRA/GTA funding are made by the Ph.D. Program Graduate Committee. The dissertation advisor may choose to provide written documentation of extenuating circumstances that impose unavoidable delays in academic progress.
• Course selection
• Developing the short dissertation proposal to distribute to prospective committee members.
• Developing the dissertation prospectus
• Providing feedback to develop a job market paper based on dissertation research
• Dissertation research and writing.
• Chair the comprehensive exam
• Provide to the Graduate Program Director a memo that defines the agreed comprehensive exam format and content before the student enrolls in the comprehensive exam credit
• Provide a memo to the Graduate Program Director to report comprehensive exam results.
• Provide a memo to inform that Graduate Program Director when the academic committee deems the dissertation ready for defense.

Dissertation Advisory Committee Members' Responsibilities

Dissertation Advisory committee members will:

• Return comments, edits, etc. for all written work submitted by the student in a timely manner (within 10 working days from when it was received).
• Attend committee meetings (about one per semester).
• Meet with the student outside of committee meetings on an as needed basis.
• Serve on the dissertation prospectus examination committee.
• Serve on the dissertation examination committee.

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Graduate School of Life Sciences

Responsibilities of phd candidates.

How can you excel during your PhD and make it a success? First of all, by taking responsibility as a PhD candidate. Setting up your research and acquiring the necessary skills in problem solving and communication is your responsibility. As a PhD candidate, you should possess, acquire, and/or refine the qualities necessary to mature into an independent researcher. We expect you to cultivate your talents. This will help you to prepare for a future career. You are also responsible for meeting the commitments linked to the funding of your doctoral research.

We have summarised the profile and responsibilities of a PhD candidate in two parts. The first part, Profile and research responsibilities of the PhD candidate , reflects our vision on your academic responsibilities as a junior researcher. The second part, Effective supervisor-PhD interaction: a two-way process , describes your responsibilities as a member of a research community and the interaction with your supervisory team, as well as your individual growth as a person.

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What can I do with a PhD?

A lot, depending on what you want! Although many PhDs enter academic careers, many more have pursued a range of fulfilling and meaningful careers beyond academia. Whether you’re preparing for a faculty position or looking to find what other career options are out there, it’s important to spend time to understand yourself, your values, and what skills and interests you have before diving into a job search. After all, you want to make sure that whatever job or career you pursue will be one that you find satisfying, rewarding, and challenging!

Having the skills and confidence to navigate all aspects of your job search successfully is essential for your career development. Career Services is here to support you throughout this process, from helping you present yourself well both on paper and in person to potential employers to equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to help you land your job offer. We advise PhD students and postdocs to follow a 4-step career exploration and planning process to help them find a meaningful career. Click on the steps below to get started.

Reflect and Explore Options

Taking time to reflect on and understand your work values, skills, and interests allows you to pursue a career that is meaningful, challenging, and rewarding before you launch into a job search. This provides a solid foundation for your next steps

Network and Gather Information

Networking is simply talking and building relationships with professionals in careers that interest you to help you learn what it’s like to work in a particular role, field, or industry. Think of it as talking with people to research and gather information about careers.

Professionalize and Gain Experience

Use your time as a PhD student or postdoc at Penn to pursue activities related to your career interests and develop yourself professionally. These opportunities will allow you to demonstrate the skills, experience, and professionalism for a successful job search.

Take Action and Make Decisions

Once you’ve spent time reflecting, exploring, networking, and gaining experience to prepare for your future career, you’ll be ready to take action and make decisions about your post-PhD professional life. Career Services is here to support you throughout this process, and so feel free to reach out to us at any time with your career-related questions.

On the academic job market?

Career Services can give you advice on all your application materials ( see our resources here ) and perspectives on how to tailor your application to specific kinds of academic institutions, and help you to speak about your research and teaching in interviews. Once you have received a job offer, we are also happy to guide you through negotiations.

Faculty Job Search Prep Camp 2023

If you are or will be on a faculty job market, join Penn Career Services for our Faculty Job Search Prep Camp, done in partnership with the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) and the Grad Center. Through workshops and faculty/alumni panels, we’ll help you understand how you can best prepare for each step of the process, from exploration to crafting application materials and beyond! Click here for more details.

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PhD Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF)

Mindsumo (online crowdsourced projects), featured videos, 99 second know how: big interview, dealing with depression in partners, friends, and family…and in your career, case interviewing workshop – spring 2024, career fair prep – spring 2024, prep for the 2024 design fair, using interstride as an international student.

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What They Do

What does an PHD Researcher do?

The primary job of a Ph.D. researcher is to plan and conduct experiments and analyzing their outcome. You will collect, organize, and analyze data and opinions to solve issues and predict trends. Other tasks you will perform include doing fieldwork to collect samples, writing reports, research papers, and reviews, and organizing materials testing. In addition, you need to liaise with research and production staff, develop ways to resolve problems, and supervise junior research staff.

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• Comparisions
• Types of PHD Researcher

Phd researcher responsibilities

As a phd researcher, one's responsibilities are multifaceted and integral to the larger role. They include developing new methods for analysis, writing and publishing scientific manuscripts, and mentoring students in research projects. According to Phillis Sheppard Ph.D. , E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Womanist Thought at Vanderbilt University, "Graduate studies invite and require us to interrogate our own ideas and convictions too." This involves not only immersing oneself in a specific area of study but also exposing oneself to co-curricular learning opportunities and intellectual ideas.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real phd researcher resumes:

• Manage and mentore graduate and undergraduate students in their physical chemistry relate studies and research projects on spin dynamics simulations.
• Evaluate data employing GC/MS, gel electrophoresis, and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
• Perform testing using gel electrophoresis as well as mixed and pour the gels used in testing
• Optimize and redesign robotic components base on FEA for improve strength using ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS.
• Coauthor an NIH grant proposal on DNA mismatch repair and malaria drug resistance (5R21AI072723-02).
• Design a scent dispenser 3D model in SolidWorks and build a prototype by utilizing MasterCam and CNC machines.
• Conduct Monte Carlo analysis on a logistic regression model that combines group and individual data (used Stata).
• Create and perform detailed comparisons of model specifications using agriculture, land use and climate variables (used Stata).
• Present data in both poster and oral formats at multiple conferences, as well as gave several talks at the NIH.
• Create presentations using advance visualization techniques.
• Coordinate and implement database construction using SPSS.
• Develop custom analysis and visualization software and implement common pipelines.
• Involve in projects investigating aggregation and dissolution of engineer nanoparticles in aqueous environment.
• Devise and implement a novel experimental system enabling structure probing of RNA during synthesis.
• Utilize SPSS and AMOS structural equation modeling systems to interpret data and identify relationships.

Phd researcher skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9 % of PHD Researchers are proficient in Python , Chemistry , and Research Projects .

We break down the percentage of PHD Researchers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Developed software package in Python for rigorous analysis of entropy of dynamical systems at various resolutions.

Managed and mentored graduate and undergraduate students in their physical chemistry related studies and research projects on spin dynamics simulations.

Mentored graduate students in research projects and provided guidance in experimental design.

Project management Data analysis Manuscript preparation/publication

Studied solar cells as a renewable energy source for a sustainable future for humanity.

Developed a C++ mixture-modeling program to classify transcription factor target genes using the expectation-maximization algorithm.

Common skills that an phd researcher uses to do their job include "python," "chemistry," and "research projects." You can find details on the most important phd researcher responsibilities below.

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for an phd researcher to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what phd researchers do because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Additionally, an phd researcher resume shows how phd researchers use communication skills: "published five papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented seven communications in international conferences"

Observation skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling phd researcher duties is observation skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." According to an phd researcher resume, here's how phd researchers can utilize observation skills in their job responsibilities: "performed graduate research consisting of carcass searches, population surveys, and visual observations funded by a grant. "

Most common phd researcher skills

The three companies that hire the most phd researchers are:

• Meta 72 phd researchers jobs
• LA State University Continuing 38 phd researchers jobs
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory 30 phd researchers jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable phd researcher resume templates

Compare different phd researchers

Phd researcher vs. fellow.

A fellow's responsibility will depend on the organization or industry where one belongs. However, most of the time, a fellow's duty will revolve around conducting research and analysis, presiding discussions and attending dialogues, handle lectures while complying with the guidelines or tasks set by supervisors, and assist in various projects and activities. Furthermore, a fellow must adhere to the institution or organization's policies and regulations at all times, meet all the requirements and outputs involved, and coordinate with every person in the workforce.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an phd researcher are more likely to require skills like "chemistry," "renewable energy," "c++," and "doe." On the other hand, a job as a fellow requires skills like "professional development," "veterans," "mathematics," and "math." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Phd researcher vs. Postdoctoral associate

A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills , both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real phd researcher resumes. While phd researcher responsibilities can utilize skills like "renewable energy," "doe," "scholar," and "molecular biology," postdoctoral associates use skills like "tip," "biomedical," "cell biology," and "independent research."

Phd researcher vs. Scientist

A scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an phd researcher is likely to be skilled in "python," "renewable energy," "c++," and "scholar," while a typical scientist is skilled in "product development," "laboratory equipment," "gmp," and "analytical methods."

Phd researcher vs. Associate scientist

An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.

Types of phd researcher

• Graduate Research Student
• Research Fellow
• Research Scientist

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What Similar Roles Do

• What an Assistant Research Scientist Does
• What an Associate Scientist Does
• What a Doctoral Fellow Does
• What a Fellow Does
• What a Graduate Research Student Does
• What a Laboratory Researcher Does
• What a Postdoctoral Associate Does
• What a Postdoctoral Research Associate Does
• What a Postdoctoral Scholar Does
• What a Research And Development Scientist Does
• What a Research Fellow Does
• What a Research Internship Does
• What a Research Scientist Does
• What a Researcher Does
• What a Scientist Does

PHD Researcher Related Careers

• Assistant Research Scientist
• Associate Scientist
• Doctoral Fellow
• Doctoral Student
• Graduate Researcher
• Laboratory Researcher
• Postdoctoral Associate
• Postdoctoral Research Associate
• Postdoctoral Scholar
• Research And Development Scientist
• Research Internship

PHD Researcher Related Jobs

Resume for related jobs.

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UC Davis Graduate Studies

Graduate program roles and responsibilities, staff roles.

Graduate Program Coordinator

Responsibilities Graduate Program Coordinators are staff members who often serve as the primary point of contact for graduate students at the program level.  They can provide advising on admission requirements, degree requirements, campus policies/procedures, campus services, and funding opportunities.  Graduate Program Coordinators can be found by visiting the graduate program page and scrolling down to the contacts listed. Appointment Graduate Program Coordinators are hired as staff members through a standard employment search and recruitment process.   New graduate program coordinators should review the onboarding processes and resources available through Graduate Studies. 

Senior Academic Advisor 

Responsibilities Senior Academic Advisors (SAA) reside in Graduate Studies and advise on degree milestones, Graduate Council and campus policies, graduation requirements, and mentorship issues.  A graduate program's assigned SAA also supports graduate students, Graduate Program Coordinators, and faculty with any escalated issues related to academic performance and/or progress.  Find your assigned SAA here . Appointment Senior Academic Advisors are hired as staff members through a standard employment and recruitment process.

Faculty Roles

All of the faculty roles on this page require a mentor-eligible payroll title reflected in the payroll system (see the section on Mentor Eligibility at the bottom of this page). If you are a coordinator and believe that a particular mentor has a mentor-eligible payroll title but is not recognized as such in SPA or PRM, contact the Graduate Studies Project/Policy Analyst. Note that the term "program" refers to any graduate degree program, regardless of whether it is departmentally based or a graduate group, SSDP, PDST, or state-supported.

Graduate Program Chair

Responsibilities The chair is the academic leader and administrative head of a graduate program. The chair automatically has signature authority on all forms and petitions related to the program. In a departmentally based program, the department chair is responsible for the graduate program, even if day-to-day operations of the program are delegated to another individual deemed to be the Graduate Program Chair. See below for appointment of a Graduate Group Chair. The official duties of any Graduate Program Chair (whether a department chair, a graduate group chair, or a program chair delegated by a department chair) are equivalent in departmental or group-based programs, and these duties are outlined in Appendix A of the UC-wide APM 245 , and in the UC Davis APM 245B Exhibit A.  

Graduate Program Chairs advise program members and students on: -- Policies that govern graduate education -- Student records and student progress and advising -- Funding, tuition remission policies -- Options and processes for student educational leaves -- Student disqualification procedures -- Campus resources and student services -- Mentoring guidelines and best practices -- Course curriculum and degree requirements

The Graduate Program Chair is responsible for overseeing the work of the Graduate Advisors.  Please see responsibilities of Graduate Program Advisors below.

Appointment

In department-based graduate programs, the department chair is also the graduate program chair. The dean of a college nominates the department chair to the Chancellor, who then appoints the chair of the department ( APM 245A ).  The department chair can delegate the day-to-day operations of the program to another individual, but cannot abdicate responsibility for the program. In group-based graduate programs, the Dean of Graduate Studies nominates the graduate group chair (based on procedures endorsed by the Graduate Council) to the Provost, who then appoints the chair ( APM Section UCD-245B) . 

Graduate Advisor

Responsibilities The graduate advisor addresses academic matters affecting graduate students and their academic programs. The role of a graduate advisor is distinct from that of the major professor, in having official authority through Graduate Studies.  In all programs, a graduate advisor’s signature is the only signature (other than the chair’s) that Graduate Studies recognizes as an official signature. In general, a graduate advisor acts as a student’s first source of academic information and provides assistance with the details of each student’s plan of study in the graduate program. Graduate advisors: -- Review and approve the program of study for each graduate student who has not advanced to candidacy -- Review and take action on each petition submitted by a graduate student to drop/add courses, or to take courses on an S/U basis, as well as make recommendations on petitions from graduate students who want to drop or add courses beyond the fifth week of classes -- Review and approve student petitions for Planned Educational Leave (PELP) and then forward such petitions to Graduate Studies for approval -- Provide general course advising -- Advise on policy -- Provide referrals to campus resources -- Advise students and faculty on mentoring best practices -- Oversee release of academic holds, leaves, grade extensions, and change of degree objectives -- Review advancement to candidacy, thesis, dissertation, and QE committees -- Review interim and annual progress reports -- Advise on disqualification procedures and appeal processes -- Oversee petitions for exception  Appointment Each program has at least one graduate advisor officially appointed in accordance with the policies and procedures of Graduate Studies to a term of two years. It is recommended that each graduate program/group should have a sufficient number of graduate advisors to establish a student to advisor ratio of approximately 15:1 and not to exceed this number.  The Associate Dean for Programs will send out a call for nominations in June of each year to the chair of the department or graduate group soliciting nominations.  Nominations are then submitted using the online Graduate Advisor Appointment Nomination form and sent back to Graduate Studies for approval and appointment.   This is also the time to review your current advisors and make any changes necessary to current advisor appointment.  Given that only the chair and the graduate advisor’s signature is accepted by Graduate Studies, any requested change in graduate advisors during the academic year must be reported immediately to Graduate Studies and approved through the same process. Graduate Advisors' Workshop The graduate advisor addresses academic matters affecting graduate students and their academic programs. The role of a graduate advisor is distinct from that of the major professor, in having official authority through Graduate Studies.  In all programs, a graduate advisor’s signature is the only signature (other than the chair’s) that Graduate Studies recognizes as an official signature. Each year, Graduate Studies hosts a workshop for new graduate advisors. At this workshop, Graduate Studies leadership provides the new advisors with information about campus-level graduate education responsibilities, academic milestones, mentoring, student professional development, and more. 

Admissions Advisor

Responsibilities Only the graduate admissions advisor (in addition to the program chair) has delegated signature authority for admissions, readmission, or change of major petitions for graduate students. The graduate admissions advisor may also have responsibility and signature authority for awarding graduate program fellowship allocation funds. In many programs, the graduate admissions advisor is chair of an admissions committee charged with reviewing program applications. Appointment One graduate advisor in each program may be designated as the graduate admissions advisor. This person is nominated and appointed according to the same procedures noted above for graduate advisors. 

Major Professor

The major professor is the faculty mentor with whom the graduate student works most closely (often their primary investigator). The major professor guides the graduate student through the process of identifying a desired area of focus, pursuing a course of study that builds skills in that area, honing in on a research topic, completing the research, and preparing for a career after graduate school. All PhD students are required to identify a major professor in their third year, whether or not the student is ready to embark on a research topic at that time. It is important that each student have a faculty mentor who is guiding them through their graduate school journey. If a student has no major professor, then it is appropriate for the graduate advisor to serve as that student's major professor. The major professor is not formally appointed by Graduate Studies. However, when the student declares their thesis/dissertation committee (by submitting a form to Graduate Studies), the major professor usually serves as Chair of the Thesis/Dissertation Committee.

Program Member

Eligibility In any departmentally based program, all departmental faculty have automatic membership eligibility in the degree program. In a graduate group, individuals must apply to the group for membership. In both cases, an individual can only be a member if they hold a mentor-eligible title, and a member of a graduate program can be relieved of their membership under certain circumstances.  Election of faculty to graduate program membership is also governed by the bylaws of the specific program.  See the Policy on Membership in Graduate Programs and each program's bylaws . Rights and Privileges Please see  Policy on Quorum and Voting Rights & Responsibility (GC2011-04) .  Expectations Graduate program members are expected to contribute to the program in order to maintain their membership status. Acceptable membership contributions may include: -- Teaching graduate courses in the program (educators without salary may not participate in classroom instruction or be Instructor of Record, unless they hold a concurrent instructional title) -- Effective  mentoring  of graduate students (see Mentoring Guidelines ) -- Serving as a major professor -- Serving on administrative committees of the program -- Serving as Graduate Program Chair -- Serving as a graduate advisor -- Serving on advanced degree committees.

Mentor 

Eligibility In the UC system, only faculty can mentor graduate students. At other campuses, this typically means the Academic Senate. However, UC Davis defines faculty (for the purpose of mentoring graduate students) more broadly than the Academic Senate. The categories of mentor eligibility are outlined in the Service on Advanced Degree Committees policy: -- Members of the Academic Senate of the University of California (including professors, lecturers, senior lecturers with security of employment, professors in residence, professors of clinical “__,” acting professor series); -- Professors emeritus/a, if not excluded from membership by the program's bylaws; -- Research professors; -- Visiting professors; -- Certain members of the Academic Federation (clinical professors in Health Sciences [not volunteer series], adjunct professors, supervisors of physical education, Unit 18 lecturers, academic administrators [not academic coordinators]); -- Specialists in the Cooperative Extension who also hold a concurrent appointment as educator without salary; -- Academic researchers in the professional research series (including associate research ___ [not research associate or project scientist]) who also hold a concurrent appointment as educator without salary. That is, by order of Graduate Council, meeting one of these requirements is necessary in order to serve as a Major Professor (i.e. Chair of a thesis or dissertation committee). As a practice, Graduate Studies also uses the same eligibility criteria for Faculty Advisors and Graduate Group Chairs.

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Academic Cover Letter for Doctoral Students

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The academic cover letter communicates your scholarly fit with the position, organization and department. The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages and should expand on your most relevant accomplishments and situate your work in the context outlined by the position. It should also outline your research agenda and future trajectory. All academic positions will require a cover letter and because the academic job market is so competitive, it has become common for search committees to ask just for a cover letter and CV. If this is the case you need to include paragraphs that provide information similar to teaching and research statements, highlighting what is not articulated on your CV. Some disciplines have a very specific format, so be sure to work with your department to align your cover letter with disciplinary standards. Avoid overly verbose or overly humble language.

Tips for condensing research and teaching statements into the academic cover letter:

• Your materials should create an overall picture of you as a scholar. This means that you should consider each document within the context of the other materials required.
• Begin by drafting longer statements about teaching (the teaching statement) and research (dissertation abstract, research statement).
• Pare down these statements for different lengths: one page, one paragraph.
• For the cover letter, take your one-paragraph versions of your teaching and research statements and edit them to market yourself as a scholar and teacher – how do you want the committee to perceive you? What’s the main take-away you want them to know about you?
• Because the materials required vary widely, keep in mind that the cover letter should be able to act as a standalone document – any other materials should expand and reinforce the cover letter.

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Academic researcher

Academic researchers carry out original, high-level research that generates knowledge and progresses current understanding

As an academic researcher you'll apply your expertise and skills developed through study and research. You'll aim to publish papers on your work in peer-reviewed, well-respected journals and write reports, books or chapters of books on your specialist area of knowledge.

You're also likely to be involved in the teaching and supervision of university students and speaking at conferences.

A significant amount of your time will be spent on planning research, attending meetings with colleagues and contributing to the strategic direction of your department or group.

Working as an academic researcher is the result of a significant amount of education, with a dedication to a subject area that you have studied intensively.

Types of academic researcher

Academic researchers may be employed in the following roles:

• PhD student or researcher
• postdoctoral research associate or assistant
• research associate or fellow
• higher education lecturer, senior lecturer, professor or reader.

As academic researchers are mainly based in universities, you will likely be employed as higher education teaching staff and will also carry out research. Some highly sought after roles are purely research based, but even posts such as postdoctoral researcher often have some teaching element.

You may also work outside of academia, employed by a private company, a government department, a research institute, or an NGO. If you are employed by a research institute you may deliver teaching in the associated university and supervise PhD, Masters and undergraduate projects as part of your role. This is often a strong factor in helping universities to attract the best students to their academic programmes.

Responsibilities

As an academic researcher, you'll need to:

• carry out original, high-level individual and collaborative research
• organise your own time and budget effectively, including for off-site and overseas visits
• analyse large sets of data and information, drawing relevant conclusions
• work to deadlines as required by fund or grant holder
• work on feasibility studies or pilot projects prior to gaining funding for research
• prepare and deliver presentations at national and international conferences to large audiences
• prepare and write high quality papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• participate in group meetings with other researchers and support staff
• apply for sources of external funding in addition to that provided by your employer
• undertake thorough and comprehensive literature reviews
• teach undergraduate and postgraduate students
• develop knowledge and skills relating to the latest techniques and applications relevant to your area of interest and deliver training in research techniques and methods to colleagues and students
• develop positive working relationships with internal and external contacts
• comply with all health and safety and ethics requirements for research activities
• plan and develop future research objectives and proposals
• supervise students undertaking masters and PhD level projects
• manage academic staff if working at a more senior level.
• Funded PhD students usually receive a tax-free stipend in the form of a scholarship, bursary or Research Council Grant, but funding is also often sourced from industrial partners with an interest in the research outcomes - particularly in the STEM disciplines. The amount usually ranges from £15,000 to £20,000.
• The UKRI have recently increased the minimum stipend they offer PhD students to £18,622.
• Extra money may be paid for teaching and tutorial activities and laboratory demonstrating.
• Postdoctoral researchers' salaries range from £27,000 to £44,000.
• Senior researchers and senior lecturers can earn salaries ranging from £32,000 to £50,000.
• Salaries continue to rise significantly in higher level positions such as professor, reader and dean, where salaries can be in excess of £100,000.

Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are usually advertised as being 35 to 40 hours per week. In reality you'll work longer hours as required, in order to complete projects and reach publication deadlines and targets. This will include evenings and weekends. Time away from home may be common, depending on the nature of your specialism - for example, to complete scientific fieldwork overseas.

Employers will consider requests for flexible working arrangements, including part-time employment and job sharing. Options for remote work are also becoming more commonplace.

Highly experienced and knowledgeable academic researchers may work freelance, completing numerous short-term contracts. Some employers allow staff to request a period of sabbatical leave, normally lasting three to 12 months. This is typically unpaid, but working freelance or writing a book can develop long-term career prospects.

What to expect

• High-quality research is crucial to higher education institutions, as it ensures funding. You will be under pressure to publish research and show you are an integral part of the department's success.
• The working environment will vary depending on your specialist area, especially while completing fieldwork. It could involve working in noisy, dirty and potentially dangerous environments, and will involve some travel around the UK and potentially overseas. This is in contrast to other aspects of the role, which involve a lot of time sitting in front of a computer in an office or at home, analysing data and results, and writing reports and papers. Being unable to obtain meaningful results can be frustrating, so resilience and a positive outlook are crucial.
• Teaching, tutorials and supervising laboratory sessions all require extensive preparation, which is often done on an evening at home.
• Although work can be intense, you can manage your own time and usually work on a flexible schedule.
• You may need to take on several postdoctoral researcher roles at different institutions, both in the UK and sometimes internationally, before you secure a permanent post.
• Positions within the private sector can offer more job security as they are less dependent on funding.

Qualifications

To have a successful, long-term career as an academic researcher, you'll need to gain a degree relevant to your area of interest, followed by further qualifications and experience. It's a highly competitive field to enter, so strong evidence of the necessary skills and experience is crucial.

This usually involves completing a Masters course followed by a PhD. As part of your PhD you'll be expected to write a thesis of between 60,000 and 90,000 words, outlining your research plan.

It's relatively common for graduates with a four year undergraduate Masters qualification, such as MMath or MSci, to progress straight onto a PhD. The fourth year usually comprises a substantial research project, accounting for 60% to 100% of the course, which can evidence research, analytical and other relevant skills.

Some academic researchers enter the role following a successful career in industry, after gaining significant experience and completing relevant professional qualifications. This is likely to occur in more vocational areas, and so the lack of a PhD need not be a barrier to success. However research intensive universities may still prefer to recruit applicants offering higher level research qualifications.

You'll need:

• a high level of intellectual ability, to plan and carry out research
• technical aptitude, to learn how to use new equipment and emerging technology
• organisation skills, to plan your workload, support team members and manage large sets of data
• interpersonal skills, to develop strong working relationships
• critical thinking to solve high level problems
• excellent teamwork skills
• concise and meaningful written communication skills for publishing work, conference proceedings and funding bids
• a strong passion for your discipline and motivation to continue learning, reach deadlines and targets
• strong IT skills and excellent data analysis and statistical knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills, to present ideas and conclusions in lectures and presentations
• budgeting skills to ensure funding covers all aspects of the project
• flexibility and resilience, to keep going when research doesn't generate results in the expected timescale.

Work experience

As the usual route into a successful career as an academic researcher is via a relevant PhD, you need to focus on gaining research experience that will help you to achieve this as a next step. Funded summer research internships for undergraduates are available at universities around the UK and involve working alongside PhD students and experienced researchers.

Research internships are often open to students from any institution, with successful applicants often having achieved exceptional results in their pre-university qualifications and first year undergraduate assessments. These opportunities may be based in research institutes, universities or a combination of the two, and are an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your potential to a future supervisor and develop your network.

Similarly, industry-based summer internships in a research and development environment can also provide excellent experience and insights. Some academic researchers enter the role with significant industry experience, rather than a PhD, so you should explore all relevant options and apply accordingly.

Other routes in include starting in positions working on research projects for other people in positions such as research assistant or research fellow. This allows you to gain relevant experience in the field and get paid while you do.

Universities are the main employers of academic researchers. Research institutes also employ staff carrying out academic research. They're often associated with one or more universities, and other relevant organisations such as a charity or other research institute. They may be housed within a university or elsewhere, and university employees often work within a research institute as part of their role. 

Opportunities exist to work in both types of institution in the UK and overseas. 

Look for job vacancies at:

• THE unijobs

Universities and research institutes usually advertise vacancies on their own websites. Relevant publications and specialist journals are also useful, as are social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. 

You can also discover future possibilities at academic events and conferences by networking with relevant contacts to discuss collaborative work and potential future funding opportunities.

Long and short-term opportunities also exist in charities, NGOs, think tanks, consultancies and government departments, as well as in private companies. Short-term work is usually carried out on a freelance basis, where you'll research a topic for a client of the organisation. These opportunities are open to those with significant experience in a specialist area and may be carried out while working in another role or as a main source of income. Some academic researchers appear as experts on news programmes and documentaries, and may be involved in writing articles for national and international news outlets.

Professional development

As an academic researcher in a university, you'll have access to a range of training courses to enhance your effectiveness in the role such as IT, report writing, using data and statistics, media training, effective leadership, research techniques, administration and funding application training. These may be delivered as stand-alone courses or as part of a coordinated training programme aimed at PhD students or early career researchers. You may also have access to mentoring schemes and shadowing opportunities.

As an academic researcher, you are responsible for your own professional development and are expected to identify areas of need to focus on.

Some universities will require you to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE). You can undertake a PGCHE through part-time study on your own campus, or you may need to attend elsewhere. Some UK universities offer a blended-learning option. The cost of the course is almost always covered by your own university if taught by your institution. If your university doesn’t offer their own PGCHE, there are usually agreements that cover the cost of doing the course elsewhere.

Career prospects

Delivering positive outcomes in early roles in this career area will give you the best chance of long-term success. This requires strong performance while you:

• write and publish research papers in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals in line with departmental targets
• present at conferences, lectures and other teaching responsibilities
• contribute to writing bids and applications for research funding
• develop collaborative relationships with staff at other institutions.

Taking on additional responsibility, along with being a supportive and enthusiastic colleague, will also help. As you progress you'll gain more leadership and strategic responsibilities, so take any opportunities that allow you to demonstrate and develop these skills.

As your knowledge and reputation develop, you may be able to access increasingly senior opportunities outside academia in freelance and consulting roles. For example, experienced academic researchers often appear on documentaries, and occasionally play a role in the planning and design of TV programmes and series.

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Graduate Student Job Descriptions

Faculty-graduate liaison (fgl).

The FGL is a senior PhD candidate tasked with handling most faculty-grad interactions and concerns. This is the person to talk to if you hit a difficult moment in your grad career. Responsibilities include monitoring czar, khan, and merc activity, allocating office space, and controlling access to the grad nest egg. More details on the role can be found at the Fac-Grad Role Page .

Faculty-Graduate-Masters Liaison (FGML)

The FGML is a second-year Master's student tasked with working with the FGL to ensure faculty-grad interactions and concerns attend to the needs of the Master's students. This is the person to talk to if you hit a difficult moment in your grad career. Responsibilities include working closely with the FGL, planning and coordinating events, and checking in with Master's students to ensure things are going smoothly.

Sheridan Center Liaison

Coordinates announcements and solicits participation in Brown's teaching-focused trainings through the Sheridan Center. The Sheridan Center Liaison helps support the excellence in teaching expected of teaching assistants and future faculty members at Brown.

Graduate Student Council (GSC) Representatives

Brown CS is currently entitled to 4 representatives in the Graduate Student Council. At least one of these representatives should be a Master's student. The Council itself is a collection of grad representatives from all departments. See the GSC page for more details. The CS Reps must attend the GSC meetings and represent Brown CS in graduate school affairs. In addition, they are responsible for filing the GSC rebate form, which funds the nest egg.

Mentorship Program Czars

These students help coordinate the mentorship program for new PhD students – this involves recruiting new mentors each year from the pool of post-candidacy mentors, matching mentors to new PhD student mentees, and organizing any mentor-program events each term.

Mental Health & Well-Being Czar

The Mental Health Czar informs graduate students about Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Brown, such as relevant mental-health events on campus. The Czar is also responsible to decrease the stigma surrounding using CAPS services, and promote awareness of mental well-being.

Facilities Czar

The Facilities Czar represents the graduate students on the Brown CS facilities committee. This committee is responsible for allocating money for and determining the specifications of new machines, monitors, and so on.

Faculty Search Czars

These students assist the faculty in recruiting and hiring new faculty. There is a czar for each area of the faculty search. Responsibilities include: assisting in the creation of the short list of candidates, disseminating information about job talks to the graduate students, attending job talks in their area, organizing the graduate student-candidate interview, and presenting the graduate student opinion to the faculty search committee.

Recruitment Czars

The main responsibility of the Recruitment Czars is to organize the graduate-student recruitment weekends. This includes setting up faculty/student talks, organizing lunches and tours, and arranging housing. Students visiting at other times are also made welcome by the Recruitment Czars.

Orientation Czars

The complement to recruiting weekend is orientation week, when new students are welcomed to the department. The Orientation Czars set the week's schedule and arrange for all the appropriate talks to take place. In addition, they arrange for the yearly photo collage to be made. Prior czars have accumulated their wisdom into the Orientation Czar Guide .

Sports Czar

The Sports Czar (SC) informs graduate students about ongoing physical and recreational activities in the campus. The SC can also sign up intramural teams and carry out tournament registration and reimbursement processes. It is the SC's responsibility to attend the captain's meetings and scheduled sessions. The SC is the default administrator of group-specific email lists (such as soccer@cs). Finally, the SC should initiate Brown CS tournaments and arrange training sessions (time, weather, place, equipment, and so on).

PhD Lounge Czar

The PhD Lounge Czar is responsible for keeping track of facilities in the PhD lounge (CIT 404).

Social Czars

The Social Czars are responsible for keeping a sense of community in the department by organizing at least one social event a month. They are responsible for organizing the Halloween party, and helping with the department holiday party.

Grad Center Bar (GCB) Czar

The GCB Czar organizes the weekly Brown CS GCB hangout.

The TGIF Czars (there are usually two) are responsible for providing food for the weekly TGIF social hour with funds provided by Brown CS. To learn from the accumulated wisdom of prior czars, see the TGIF Czarship Guide .

Another two-person team, the Tea Czars organize the weekly Brown CS tea and cookies.

The REST (Research Exchange Seminars with Tea) Czars host a weekly talk from a grad student designed to disseminate information about ongoing research in Brown CS and foster collaboration between disciplines.

The Info Khan is responsible for maintaining the graduate student web structure.

Rubber Chicken Khan

The primary responsibility of the Rubber Chicken Khan is to maintain a coop of rubber chickens. A chicken is traditionally awarded to (that is, thrown at) a PhD candidate who has successfully defended their thesis, following the faculty handshakes and preceding the champagne. The khan is also responsible for assigning the chicken thrower for each thesis defense. The chicken thrower is usually the closest friend of the chicken recipient in Brown CS.

Fridge Demon

The Fridge Demon is an anonymous position, responsible for the cleanliness of the department's fridges (located in CIT 302, 412, 532). Once a month, they must examine the refrigerators and discard any items that need it.

D&I Administrative Merc

The D&I Merc assists diversity and inclusion efforts in the graduate student recruitment process. This job involves administrative tasks (spreadsheet management), outreach, as well as coordination with the chair of the department and the diversity chair.

The Ergo Merc maintains the departmental ergonomic website as well as a pool of ergonomic keyboards and voice recognition software. New users are taken care of (workspace evaluations) and injured parties are led through the department and university ropes. In addition, this merc coordinates the Brown RSI-awareness campaign and collects statistics on RSI at Brown CS for reporting to the Facilities Committee. For more information, see the Ergo Merc Details .

High Performance Computing (HPC) Merc

The HPC Merc is primarily responsible for fielding questions and providing information/guidance related to the use of the CS department's high-performance computing resources (e.g. the in-house "Grid" or the department's GPU condo on the CCV's "Oscar" cluster). The position additionally entails communicating and working with the department technical staff regarding potential new features and changes to the existing HPC infrastructure, as well as interfacing with other university computing groups (such as CCV) for coordinating joint projects. The HPC Merc will also periodically survey the department's current HPC users about their usage patterns and solicit feedback on the state of the HPC infrastructure, and then summarize and present that information to the CS technical staff. Ideally the HPC Merc is someone with knowledge of (or interest in learning about) modern high-performance computing infrastructure and related technologies.

The Video Merc collects videos from distinguished lectures, symposiums and any other important talks the department hosts. They will then be in charge of posting them to Vimeo or other flash-based site account. This person will also take pictures at Brown CS events (receptions, the Halloween party, and so on) and organize them in a photo gallery. This position will require coordination with the Info Khan to link it from the main site.

Interview Room Khan (archived)

The Interview Room Khan reserves CIT 522 for students and provides the key so they can access it.

Knowledge Khan (archived)

The Knowledge Khan is responsible for the dissemination of exciting Brown CS research to all members of the department. The primary method used is to organize the yearly departmental retreat.

Comprehensives Czar (archived)

The job of the Comprehensive Exam Czar, who must be a PhD candidate, is to assist the faculty member in charge of the comprehensive exams to ensure that the exams run smoothly. During the programming exam, the comps czar monitors the process and works with the responsible faculty members to solve any problems that might occur.

Calendar Czar (archived)

The Calendar Czar works with AStaff, TStaff, faculty, and grads to keep track of events of interest to the Brown CS community and minimize scheduling conflicts. They collect information on classes, reading groups, lectures, lunches, lab meetings and the like and maintain an up-to-date calendar.

Computer Science at Brown University Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA Phone: 401-863-7600 Map & Directions / Contact Us

The PhD student experience – What is it really like for PhDs?

Are you curious about what it’s really like to be a PhD student, navigating the world of academia and research?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the lesser-known aspects of the PhD journey, from the profound impact of your supervisor to the competitive environment you’ll face.

Discover the truth about the importance of publishing papers and the realities of funding and job security in academia.

We’ll also give you a glimpse into the daily life of a PhD student, and explore the highs and lows of this challenging yet rewarding experience.

So, buckle up and join us as we uncover the secrets of the PhD student experience that no one else will tell you!

The little known-facts that you need to know about the PhD experience,

This is what no one else will tell you!

What does the daily life of a PhD student look like?

Embarking on a PhD journey can be a thrilling yet demanding experience, as a doctoral student is constantly immersed in:

• academic responsibilities,
• and professional development.

From the early morning, the life of a PhD student begins with checking emails, planning the day, and setting priorities.

A typical day usually involves conducting experiments or research in the laboratory, analyzing data, and reading scientific literature to stay up-to-date with their field.

PhD students often participate in regular meetings with their supervisors, who provide guidance and advice on their research projects.

These meetings are crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring a productive working relationship.

A typical daily schedule for a PhD student might look like this:

7:00 AM – Wake up, morning routine, breakfast

7:45 AM – Check emails, plan the day, and set priorities

8:30 AM – Arrive at the laboratory, set up experiments or research tasks

9:30 AM – Attend a class or seminar (if applicable)

11:00 AM – Conduct experiments or research in the laboratory

12:30 PM – Lunch break, socialize with fellow graduate students

1:30 PM – Analyze data and read scientific literature relevant to the research project

3:00 PM – Meeting with supervisor to discuss research progress and receive guidance

4:30 PM – Continue working on experiments, data analysis, or literature review

6:00 PM – Dinner break

8:00 PM – Draft or edit thesis, work on conference presentations or publications

10:00 PM – Wind down and engage in a hobby or leisure activity for mental health and work-life balance

11:00 PM – Bedtime routine, sleep

In addition to their primary research, many PhD students assist and mentor undergraduate students, contributing to a diverse and dynamic academic community.

Balancing the demands of coursework, research projects, and administrative responsibilities can make for long working hours, which is why it’s important for doctoral students to maintain their mental health and work-life balance.

Attending conferences, participating in social events, and engaging in professional development opportunities are important aspects of the PhD experience.

Given the commitment and dedication required, full-time PhD students often rely on funded positions to support their education and living expenses.

Despite the inherent difficulties, the experience equips students with a range of new skills and expertise, setting them on a path to contribute significantly to academia and the world beyond.

How stressful is being a PhD student?

Being a PhD student can be quite stressful due to the unique challenges and demands of the program.

It varies from person to person and the supervisor will have a huge impact on how stressful a PhD will be for a student.

Here is a case study of the highs and lows of a PhD from a PhDs student’s perspective:

This PhD student experienced frustration with experiments not working or yielding results, leading to feelings of imposter syndrome and demotivation. A lack of progress was a significant source of stress during this time, as well as comparing oneself to peers who seemed to be achieving more success.

However, there were also numerous highlights throughout the PhD experience. Attending conferences and presenting research offered opportunities to gain feedback, collaborate with others, and even travel. Engaging in scientific discussions and exploring the significance of one’s work provided a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Furthermore, working with cutting-edge equipment, such as advanced microscopes, allowed the student to appreciate the unique and privileged nature of their research.

The pressure to produce significant contributions to one’s field and the uncertainty of achieving results within a limited time frame can induce anxiety.

For instance, many students find themselves constantly juggling various responsibilities, such as conducting experiments, analysing data, attending meetings with their supervisor, and writing their thesis or papers.

Aside from academic pressure, managing work-life balance can be difficult as well. It’s not uncommon for PhD students to work long hours, often sacrificing personal time and relationships.

The lack of a structured schedule and the need for self-motivation can add to the stress and the competitive environment in academia and the constant pursuit of funding can further exacerbate stress levels.

PhD student workloads and holidays

The life of a PhD student is often characterized by heavy workloads and limited opportunities for holidays.

In a typical PhD program, students juggle numerous responsibilities, including research projects, coursework, and professional development activities, such as attending conferences and training.

This is particularly true for funded PhD students, who are expected to adhere to strict timelines set by their supervisors and the university’s academic calendar.

In the science field, the workload can be even more demanding due to the nature of research, which often involves conducting experiments that can take months or years to complete.

This commitment means that even during holidays, PhD students may feel the need to work in order to meet deadlines, leading to burnout and stress.

Later Stage PhD ( Doctorate Candidates )

When PhD students reach the later stages of their doctorate program, they become PhDs preparing to complete their research project and thesis.

This stage comes with an intense academic workload, with high demand for researcher-level skills and scientific knowledge.

A typical day for a PhD at this stage involves conducting research, analysing data, and editing their findings to complete their thesis.

In my experience it is WRITING, WRITING and more WRITING…with a touch of editing.

There are deadlines to meet, and students may face pressure, but the reward of completing a doctorate degree is worth it.

At this point, a PhD is expected to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to their field of study.

The latter stages of the doctorate program offer a rigorous and rewarding challenge for students who want to pursue a career in science, education, and research.

Wrapping up – PhD and Doctoral Student experience

The PhD student experience is a complex and multifaceted journey that offers a unique blend of challenges and triumphs.

As we have explored in this blog, the road to obtaining a PhD is filled with personal growth, professional development, and numerous hurdles to overcome.

But, for those who persevere, the rewards can be immense, leading to a sense of accomplishment, increased expertise, and the potential to make a significant impact in their chosen field.

In navigating this adventure, it is essential for PhD students to maintain a healthy work-life balance and develop strong support networks to help them manage stress and maintain motivation.

The journey may be demanding, but with the right mindset and guidance, the experience can be truly transformative.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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PhD Student

Job category: phd student.

Looking for PhD student positions? Look no further!

At jobRxiv we receive hundreds of new job offers a week from around the world. You can filter through these positions by continent or country and scientific discipline using the sidebar along this page.

Whether you’re fascinated by the stars, into microorganisms, or something in between, we’ve got you covered!

Browse our PhD student positions below or check out all the research jobs available across the sciences here!

Are you looking to advertise a job?

Here at jobRxiv, we believe research funds should be spent on research, not recruitment. Find out more about what drives us here , or go ahead and post your job now!

PhD position in Multi-species Landscape Epigenomics Full-time NEW

PhD position in Multi-species Landscape Epigenomics (Venney lab)   I am seeking a highly motivated student for a PhD project on multi-species landscape epigenomics. This is a funded PhD position…

PhD – THE ROLE OF METAL IONS DURING HOST-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS Full-time NEW

You will join the MiMoSa (Microbiota, Monogastrics and Salmonella) team which consists of experts in Salmonella pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions. The position is available for 36 months. Background and project description: Salmonella is a major source of…

PhD position in molecular biology, biochemistry and microscopy Full-time NEW

Profile and skills requiredWe are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic candidate, with knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry and microscopy and an interest for multidisciplinary approaches.Applications should include a CV,…

PhD position in computational metabolomics Full-time

We offer a shared PhD position in computational metabolomics. The student will work with Rebecca Dauwe at the University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens, France, but will also stay…

12 PhD positions in RTG “Cytoskeletal elements of active matter” (CYTAC) Full-time

The Research Training Group (RTG) 2756 “Cytoskeletal elements of active matter – from molecular interactions to cellular biophysics (CYTAC)” at the University of Göttingen is currently inviting applications for 12…

A fully funded PhD position to work on centrosome dynamics Full-time

We are looking for a highly motivated student with a strong background in molecular and cell biology, to join our team. We offer a 3-year, fully funded PhD position, to…

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Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences located in the BIOCEV research centre in Vestec by Prague announces an open competition in…

PhD student in functional epigenomics Full-time

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease with an extremely poor 10-year survival rate (~29%). It is caused by uncontrolled proliferation of the plasma cells. Over the last decade there…

PhD position (Plant-derived metamaterials for ultrasonic energy harvesting) Full-time

Ultrasonic energy harvesting has lately been introduced as a promising wireless energy transfer solution to power miniaturized wearable and implantable electronic devices for wireless communication and sensing, remote health monitoring,…

PhD position opening in molecular modeling of biomolecules Part-time

The Department of Physics at the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, announces an opening for a PhD position in the area of molecular modeling of biomolecules with a focus on…

Postdoc – Machine Learning Full-time

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PhD scholarship in experimental high-energy physics at AMBER Full-time

Faculty of mathematics and physics of the Charles university (Prague, Czechia) is accepting applications in PhD study programmes (to start studying in October 2024). Details on the requirements and the…

PhD scholarship in hadron structure physics at COMPASS experiment Full-time

Phd position opening in ab initio modeling of surfaces part-time.

The Nanostructure Physics Group at the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, announces an opening for a PhD position in the area of ab initio modeling of surfaces and interfaces. Selected…

Ph.D. student – (Multi)Ferroic and Multifunctional materials Full-time

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Ph.D. students to join our team of Department of Magnetic Measurements and Materials. What you will do Are you interested in…

LIDT researcher – UV optics and semiconductors Full-time

A great mission attracts great people! Join us in a team full of potential, creativity and ambition to push Czech science beyond its current limits! Are you not afraid of…

Research Assistant – RNA Biology – University of California, Riverside Full-time

Research Assistant – RNA Biology A position of a Research Assistant within the Specialist series (Junior Specialist) is available in the Murn Lab at the Department of Biochemistry at the…

PhD position to study male chimerism in yellow crazy ants [Mainz, Germany] Full-time

We are inviting applications for a PhD position to investigate male chimerism in the yellow crazy ant. This position is immediately available and has secured funding for three years. The…

PhD position opening in Electronic structure quantum Monte Carlo Part-time

The Nanostructure Physics Group at the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, announces an opening for a PhD position in the area of Electronic Structure Quantum Monte Carlo development and applications….

Electrophysiologist or interested in electrophysiology?! Full-time

The Parker laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech is recruiting lab members! We would be interested in working with graduate students, scientists, or postdoctoral scholars. The…

PhD student in Biochemistry – Piano lab Full-time

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Phd students.

The PhD is a long-standing UK qualification and has been part of the fabric of UK universities for as long as higher education has been around.

How do PhD students cope with the stresses of PhD qualifications and how many papers should a PhD student publish?

What is a PhD student?

A PhD research student takes on a project focusing on a particular topic. They will zone in on a research hypothesis, explore it and write up the results. Once they complete this they obtain a Doctor of Philosophy degree - which is the highest level of higher education.

A PhD research student will spend between three to seven years - full or part-time - completing their thesis which will add value to the research world in their chosen subject.

What does a PhD student do?

So, what do you do as a PhD student? Doctorate students work on a research project or hypothesis for several years, completing a large piece of work that is original in that subject area. The thesis will provide new research and insight in its contribution to that field.

Other than completing their huge thesis, a PhD student could be teaching, with many teaching or working as assistants within their department at university. Some institutions expect their PhD students to do this, whilst others offer it as an optional extra. You could find yourself assisting with lectures or tutorials and helping with supervising undergraduates.

Most PhD students are still full-time students, they are often passionate and engrossed in their particular field and work part time jobs whilst completing their degree.

But if you’re wondering how many papers does a PhD student publish? It’s typically their thesis that is completed in the end, but this could change after their doctorate, as many continue in the academic field.

However, regarding how many papers should a PhD student read? This is entirely down to the individual learner, although it’ll most likely be hundreds. A thesis can be 80,00-100,000 words, and the amount of research needed is substantial, much more than the 12,000 word Master’s dissertation. This is why it takes so long to complete.

What is it like to be a PhD student?

The life of a PhD student will vary for each person but the foundations will be the same; studying, working, and research.

PhD student life is full of papers, reading and analysing, as well as researching their own topic. It may include lectures and seminars that they teach as part of their Doctorate, it might involve a part time job they do on weekends, but every PhD student’s day-to-day life can differ.

Some may document their journey through a PhD student blog, whilst others may still live at home, much like individuals in any area of life, they’re all unique.

Working towards a doctorate is a lengthy and intense process - but it offers huge rewards. The average age of a PhD student in the UK is usually someone in their 30s. PhD’s expect their students to have a Master’s and undergraduate degree which take some time to complete. Further, most PhD’s cost a lot if you can’t secure funding so this may take time-saving up for. Because of all of this PhD students can range from 22-years-old to 60 - the possibilities are endless.

What makes a good PhD student?

There isn’t an essential checklist to being a good PhD student, but there are several things you can do to ensure you keep yourself on track.

Strong time management is one of the vital parts of studying for a Doctorate. Treat it as a full time job and set enough time aside each day to work on it, it’s a long and difficult process that can be broken down into pieces and seem more manageable. This will help when you’re writing your thesis, as all the time and effort you’ve put into it will start showing, as well as providing experiences of working to a schedule. Although you should put a lot of time into your work, it’s just as important to enjoy life, socialise and allow yourself ‘down time’.

Don’t send large pieces of work to your supervisor - they also have large workloads - instead, send short submissions regularly to receive constructive and helpful feedback. This will be more productive as you’ll have the chance to assess the points highlighted instead of having less support on huge pieces of work that are thousands and thousands of words.

It’s fine if other areas of life are taking up too much of your time, like teaching, being a student representative, or work and life commitments. If this is the case address the situation maturely and calculate how much time you can give and what you need to realign. It may be that you work fewer hours or you stop going out three times a week.

Your PhD degree or other areas in your life should work in a balance. For example, how many hours should a PhD student work? This is down to you and how much you have to get through each day and week.

How to manage your time as a PhD student?

For any prospective PhD student, the average week can depend on a number of factors; your learning style; the subject area; work patterns and facilities like lab access; what stage you are at for your PhD; what you have agreed with your supervisor; personal preference for working patterns and the university’s regulations.

Some students can work between 25 to 70 hours a week - depending on all of their commitments. Completing a doctorate is hard work and the individual areas of the thesis require different demands on your time. Peer pressure and overbearing supervisors may contribute to feeling like it’s taking up a large part of your life, but address each issue as it comes along and it won’t feel so uncomfortable or that it’s ‘too much work’.

It’s important to remember that your supervisor and university want you to complete a successful PhD and they are essentially supporting you - they want you to come out with something amazing!

For a lot of people, finishing a PhD degree is a huge academic achievement, as it’s the final product of several years of commitment, higher education, and the earned right of being specialised in your topic.

Who can supervise a PhD student?

A strong and positive student-supervisor relationship is vital to the success of your degree. Supervisors are appointed to supervise any work you do.

Supervisors are friendly enough people, but if you feel you need to work on your relationship, be honest about it with them - you’ll be with them for several years! And the final resort is changing your supervisor by speaking to the department and university, however, this is an extreme circumstance that most PhD students don’t need to do.

How much does a PhD student earn in UK?

This is down to how much the university pays it’s PhD students for working at their establishment as a lecturer or in student support. The PhD student salary for UK universities can vary, so it’s worth checking before applying to study for a doctorate at that establishment. Not all universities require their PhD students to work whilst they study, if this is the case, you won’t get a ‘salary’ but may receive financial support for living costs and tuition fees.

Next, there are many different types of PhD student jobs available outside the university grounds. University towns or cities usually have higher retail and restaurants available, because of the student life and atmosphere in general. These are great at offering more flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, which can be perfect for your research.

However, a PhD student salary is something that can’t be calculated as an average, as it’s down to the individual and how much they are working.

How much does it cost to fund a PhD student?

This is an important question if you live at home, with parents, with a partner or even on your own. There is PhD loan student finance in the form or PhD studentships or scholarships from universities, research councils and charities. There is also a PhD student loan provided by the government which you end up paying back via your earnings afterwards.

Securing funding can be a major worry for a lot of PhD students as it costs a pretty penny to complete the doctorate. However, there are lots in place to aid those who are embarking on the journey. For example, PhD student council tax is free, meaning students don’t have to pay council tax. If you are living with one other person who isn’t a student, they can apply for 25% off of their bill, as they’re seen the same as a single person living in the accommodation. But this isn’t in place for a full household (unless you’re all students!). Additionally, as soon as you submit your PhD you must start paying your council tax.

Next, as a lot of PhD students are mature or at an older age than the typical student population, some may be interested in buying a home with a partner, friend or even on their own. Because of this, many wonder about PhD student mortgage options. A mortgage is a contract with the bank on a property, where the bank or building society will buy the property, and you pay back what you owe in mortgage repayments every month. It isn’t the easiest thing to secure, and if you’re studying for a PhD you should work out if you can afford to apply for a mortgage before going ahead with either. Doctorate students don’t earn a high salary, as they are studying and working around their research project.

However, it could be a viable option following the completion of your PhD and once you secure a job. For international student PhD funding in UK, it can differ as most universities offer places to those living in the UK. It doesn’t mean there aren’t options out there, as some institutions have clauses they can work around to offer PhD studentships or scholarships to international students.

It’s worth checking with your chosen universities to find out if they provide funding to international students before applying.

Are there student loans for PhD programs?

The student loan game is changing in the UK and the government now offers a PhD student loan. The student finance PhD loan offers up to £25,000 for those wanting to become an academic doctor. The amount you receive is not based on you or your family’s income and is not means-tested.

However, for anyone looking into PhD funding student finance options they should know the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may take your loan into account when working out any benefits you receive, if you’re applying for Universal Credit, as an example.

The PhD student loan is paid directly to you and you can use it for your fees and living costs, and it’ll be divided equally across each year of your course.

You can also apply for it in any year of your degree, but if you apply after your first year you might not get the maximum amount, as it’s goal is to support PhD students throughout the entire doctorate. If you apply after the first 12 months you might receive around £10,906 per year.

What is the difference between PhD student and candidate?

So, what’s the difference between PhD student and PhD candidate? They are actually separate things with a thesis or final exam in the way. It works similar to a postgraduate diploma and a Master’s degree, where people are awarded the diploma if they don’t complete or choose to do the dissertation at the end.

A candidate is someone who has fulfilled all the requirements for the PhD degree except the thesis. This could also be an option for anyone who needs a break - PhDs are a long and difficult process!

Some institutions allow you to become a Candidate of Philosophy instead, or grant a Master’s degree en route to the doctoral degree. It can also be referred to as PhD ABD, which means ‘All but Dissertation’.

In theory, everyone is a PhD candidate or student until they submit their project or thesis, but the title has to be awarded by the university if you choose to take a break or not to finish your final dissertation. Not all universities offer the option of becoming a PhD candidate, so if you’re having troubles during your doctorate talk to your supervisor as the first port of call.

How to make money as a PhD student?

Funding a PhD can be tough - but it’s not impossible. Many choose to take on part time jobs, either at the university or outside. First, most PhD student employment status is someone who is working - as the rent and living costs aren’t going to pay for themselves!

If you need to make money, look at writing your CV as a PhD student. You’ll need to apply for jobs that’ll offer hours that can work around your schedule. A PhD student CV doesn’t need to go into detail about your doctorate or research if you’re looking to work in the retail, food or warehouse sector.

Set up your CV like you would for any job opportunities you regularly would, input your greatest achievements and set it out smartly and clearly. Then you can apply for jobs that suit your needs and ability.

How to write a reference letter for a PhD student?

When PhD students are applying for their course via a Research Council or university they will usually write a proposal. This may include a reference letter, or a recommendation letter for a PhD student from a professor they’ve worked with before. They allow the panel or admissions department to discover why they should offer a place to that individual.

When you are looking to fill out your proposal, you should seek a letter from someone who has seen your hardwork and who is able to sing your praises - because you want to show the best side of you!

If you’re writing a reference for a PhD student, focus on the good things they’ve done, especially within the academic and research field. A PhD student needs to be focussed, committed, dedicated and hardworking, as well as holding many other great attributes.

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• 25 April 2024

NIH pay raise for postdocs and PhD students could have US ripple effect

• Amanda Heidt 0

Amanda Heidt is a freelance journalist in southeastern Utah.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Academic workers walk a picket line at the University of California, Los Angeles. Credit: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Amid a reckoning over poor job prospects and stagnating wages for early career scientists, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said it will raise the salaries of thousands of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who receive a prestigious NIH research fellowship. The move could boost pay for other scientists as well, because academic institutions often follow guidelines set by the NIH.

Beginning immediately, postdocs who hold one of the agency’s Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) will now earn at least $61,008 per year — an 8% increase and the largest year-over-year increase the NIH has implemented since 2017. Postdocs’ salaries, which are adjusted for years of experience, are capped at $74,088 per year. Graduate students’ yearly salaries will rise by $1,000, amounting to a minimum annual salary of $28,224.

“This is a major step in the right direction and something that the majority will agree is widely needed to retain talent in the biomedical and academic research sectors,” says Francisca Maria Acosta, a biomedical engineer and postdoc at UT Health San Antonio in Texas who is herself funded through an NRSA.

Postdoc shortage

In 2022, the agency assembled an advisory group on how best to retain and cultivate postdoctoral talent following reports that principal investigators (PIs) were struggling to fill vacant postdoc positions . In December, the panel released recommendations that suggested a minimum salary of $70,000 for postdocs.

The NIH agreed that a salary increase is indeed needed for the more than 17,000 research trainees covered by the NRSAs. The agency will also provide an extra $500 in subsidies for childcare and $200 for training-related expenses. In this week’s announcement, the agency acknowledged that this increase falls short of the council’s recommendation, and cited its tight budget in recent years.

Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years

It added that “pending the availability of funds through future appropriations,” the agency would increase salaries to meet the recommended $70,000 target in the next three to five years, while also suggesting that NIH-funded institutions could supplement salaries in other ways. That presents a challenge, according to Sharona Gordon, a biophysicist at the University of Washington in Seattle, when the NIH’s modular R01 grants — one of the primary research awards given to PIs to fund their labs — have remained at $250,000 since they were introduced in 1998. Such grants cannot be used to supplement salaries, meaning lab heads have to pull money from other sources to increase trainees’ pay.

Even scientists who approve of the NIH’s move say it could have unintended consequences. “For institutions such as ours, which mandate that the postdoc minimum salary be set to the NIH minimum, there are some concerns that this increase in personnel costs could be a barrier for labs based on funding levels,” Acosta says.

For some, the five-year timeline for the increase feels insufficient. Haroon Popal, a cognitive science postdoc at the University of Maryland in College Park whose work is funded by the NIH, says that while he understands the pressures on the agency, the new salary will not be enough to support him as he assumes multiple caregiving responsibilities. Even with the boost, postdoc positions in academia fall far short of what researchers could make in government, industry, or nonprofit positions. “This is an issue of diversity and equity for me,” he says. “The new postdoc salary is not allowing people like me to be in academia, which is counter to the NIH’s, institutions’, and our scientific community’s goals of increased diversity.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01242-x

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• Doctoral fellows

PhD Student

Job description.

The Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, at Ghent University currently is looking for a PhD Researcher on the following topic (and granted project): Development of bio-receptive and printable cementitious materials to allow for oyster reef creation on marine infrastructure (REEFCOVERY project) SUMMARY OF THE REEFCOVERY PROJECT Driven by the EU legislation and governmental interest worldwide, nature-inclusive-design (NID) solutions targeting nature conservation and restoration, are becoming crucial in marine infrastructure projects. Such an example are NIDs based on European flat oysters which are ecosystem engineers creating reefs that provide shelter, food and breeding habitats to a wide range of marine species. Oyster reefs used to be widely present in Europe, however, fishing and harvesting has destroyed most of these reefs thereby suppressing their important ecosystem role. Nevertheless, although recovery of flat oyster beds is an important objective for the Belgian Natura 2000 management plan, no systematic and operational framework exists yet for the development of large-scale flat oyster NIDs. On the other hand, offshore marine infrastructure, such as wind parks and artificial islands, provide new opportunities because they can serve as suitable locations for oyster reef restoration or creation, as part of their NID. However, methodologies for offshore flat oyster reef restoration or creation integrated in marine infrastructure, and at the same time applicable to the Belgian part of the North Sea, do not exist yet. In view of the knowledge gaps which currently hinder large-scale flat oyster reef restoration, creation and integration in offshore marine infrastructure, the REEFCOVERY project has been recently introduced. As such, new knowledge will be generated that is crucial to overcome current scientific and technological challenges related to the understanding, design, installation, survivability, maintenance and monitoring of these reef ecosystems. REEFCOVERY will generate new knowledge which is essential for the creation of large-scale European flat oyster NID solutions for offshore marine infrastructure. The goal of this project is to scientifically substantiate the design of a variety of oyster NIDs with a strong potential to be applied on an industrial scale in future offshore marine projects – going well beyond the current state of the art. As such, REEFCOVERY will deal with the main fundamental questions that are crucial for: i) the successful colonisation and reduction of flat oyster spat mortality rate of newly created flat oyster reefs, and ii) the facilitation of large-scale restoration interventions. Consequently, the target of REEFCOVERY is to investigate all conditions that are necessary to ‘kick-start’ self-sustaining large-scale flat oyster reefs in North Sea conditions. The oyster NIDs which will be investigated within REEFCOVERY will support future large-scale restoration of habitats and marine ecosystem functioning. In order to ensure successful application of large-scale oyster NIDs four main “Research Lines” (RL) have been defined in REEFCOVERY: (RL1) innovative materials that are suitable for biocolonisation, (RL2) structural lay-out and hydrodynamic performance, which enable structures to keep their functionality while supporting reef formation, (RL3) oyster inoculation techniques which will kickstart reef formation on offshore structures, and (RL4) offshore implementation which will enable installation of NIDs at a large scale. Finally, the following aspects will be evaluated: ecological gain, survivability of the reefs, and reef operational efficiency and effective installation. A selection of key performance indicators will be used to validate the overall performance of the implemented NID solutions, while a dedicated field monitoring program is planned to evaluate a set of environmental goals and delivered ecosystem services. Within the REEFCOVERY project, the PhD researcher affiliated with the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials will develop (printable) cementitious materials with (1) high bioreceptivity, (2) low environmental impact, (3) high resistance against a marine environment, (4) high impact resistance and (5) enhanced bond to substrates. In order to vary the micro roughness of the material, different print parameters will be investigated. To realize and vary the macro roughness, different nozzle geometries of the 3D print equipment will be studied and compared. Realization of complex surface structures with inserts creating ecological niches, will be obtained through employment of a UGent patented technology. Subsequently, materials will be validated through chemical durability experiments and physical durability tests. The reef designs put forward by the project partners will be further adapted to allow them to be sliced and 3D printed, targeting effective and efficient integration in the field experiments site. ABOUT THE RESEARCH GROUP The Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory at the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials of Ghent University is the largest Belgian research center in the field of concrete technology and concrete structures and has a vast and widely-spread international recognition. The research areas focus on different aspects of concrete structures, going from fundamental material research on microscopic and sub-microscopic scale to structural behaviour and structural reliability of concrete structures on large scale. The Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory disposes of extensive experimental testing facilities and infrastructures, among which the large strong floor for executing load tests on large-scale elements is a unique instrument. VACANCY The REEFCOVERY project is a funded VLAIO ICON project (“Interdisciplinair Coöperatief onderzoek”). The project will be performed in collaboration with the project partners: Jan De Nul nv; DEME; ResourceFull; UGent-Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center and UGent-Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Civil engineering, Coastal Engineering Laboratory.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months in a high-level international research team at Ghent University. The candidate will have the possibility to attend international conferences, follow specialized courses and to develop a national and international scientific and industrial network.
• Your contract will start on 1 May 2024   at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority.   A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax.   Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.   Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits   (in Dutch)

Job profile

APPLICANTS Applicants should have a MSc in Structural or Civil Engineering (or another MSc leading to sufficient knowledge on the topics of relevance), an independent and well-organized working style, well-developed social skills directed towards working in an interdisciplinary team, strong motivation to succeed in scientific research, excellent presentation and scientific writing skills and excellent English language skills (verbally and written). Experience with 3D printing of concrete or bio-receptive concrete is an added value.

How to apply

INTERESTED? Applications must contain the following documents:

• a personal (motivation) letter and curriculum vitae,
• a copy of degree certificates and associated certificates,
• a transcript of records of the bachelor and master curriculum,
• a copy of degree projects and any previous publications,
• a proof of English language skills,
• two recommendation letters (or the names and email addresses of two references).

The documents should be sent before 30 April 2024 to [email protected] with in the title of the mail a clear reference to this vacancy.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

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13 job vacancies in the category PhD Student

Phd student with a strong background in molecular biology / biochemistry (m/f/d).

Doctoral position on ultrafast charge and exciton processes in organic semiconductors (f/m/x)

PhD Position (f/m/x) on non-equilibrium physics in quantum materials

Research assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d)

Research assistants (m/f/d) (EG 13) in the fields of engineering/mathematics/geosciences

Research Assistant (doctoral candidate, m/f/d) in the field of health economics

Wissenschaftler (m/w/d) - Metallorganische chemische Gasphasenabscheidung (MOCVD) Nitrid-Halbleiter

2 PhD candidates (f/m/x) in Imaging or Image Analysis

12 Stellen zur Promotion als Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in

PhD Candidate in Mass Spectrometry-based Cancer Biology (m/f/d)

Research Assistant/Doctoral Student (f/m/d) - Chair of Logistics and Services Management

Research Assistant/Doctoral Student (f/m/d) - Institute of Management Accounting and Control (IMC)

PhD Position - Researcher* Marine Boundary Layer Measurements by Lidar for Offshore Wind Farms

Doctorate & PhD: Jobs and vacancies

Choosing a PhD course is the first declaration you make that says you have chosen an academic career path. It is at this stage that the intensity of your studies picks up and you have moved from 'studying' to 'working'. Your main focus switches from learning about a field to researching it, pushing its boundaries, trying to uncover something new. This, of course, introduces a whole new level of challenges to your work but also makes it all the more stimulating. Doing your PhD gives you an insight into the academic world and can help you decide whether you are interested in pursuing career options at universities, in research or whether the researcher's life is just not for you. No matter what realizations it leads to, a PhD is an invaluable life experience that is a must for any burgeoning academic.

Find the right PhD program for you

There are a number of options open to you when it comes to PhDs. Although it may seem more comfortable to stay at a university to continue your studies, it is important to remember that conducting research is also possible in industry. Finding the right PhD vacancy can seem tricky but luckily academics.com lists some of the most exciting opportunities in all kinds of research fields and it is always a good idea to use these pages as your base to see a good range of what is on offer. It is easy to forget that you have the option to choose between options that give you all sorts of different pros and cons and it is a great idea to think about whether you are passionate about fundamental research, would rather go into the applied sciences, would like to complete your doctorate while working in industry or the traditional doctorate is the best model for you.

Germany is quickly becoming the home of outstanding research in Europe and here is where academics.com excels. Although it may be intimidating to move to a new country for your PhD, working in Germany is definitely an option you should consider. The research landscape is one which is constantly evolving and embracing all types of new fields and interdisciplinary research. It is also home to a great number of the world's leading R&D companies. You can read about these options on our PhD pages so you have a guide to the possibilities open to you as well as all the top jobs so you find the perfect PhD in Germany.

Find a job that's right for you!

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Position Classification Description

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Coordinates the various daily activities associated with graduate academic programs and acts as liaison to the various academic programs and graduate student support services. Provides a range of academic progress, compliance, and records management services, as well general administrative coordination and support services to the programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides administrative advisement on a range of academic program compliance and related issues including degree completion requirements and policies to students, faculty, and/or departmental staff; serves as liaison between students, faculty and administration, as necessary.
• Researches and resolves problems related to curriculum, program, and institutional requirements; coordinates with academic units to process changes in programs of study and applications for candidacy, and assists in the resolution of academic problems and disputes.
• Provides technical advice, guidance, and support to departmental graduate academic advisors on progression, graduation, and related advisement issues.
• Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to program transactions, and serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day operational and administrative issues.
• Monitors student progress in relation to program requirements, and corresponds with students as necessary regarding programmatic problems and deficiencies.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive student records and databases, and performs supplemental activities such as information acquisition, data file verification, and submission of reports, survey responses, and data requests, as required.
• Performs transcript and credit transfer articulations from national institutions for all graduate academic programs as needed for degree requirement acceptance.
• Reviews student files deadlines are met for completing various graduation requirements such as coursework, thesis/dissertation, manuscript, and other program requirements as specified.
• Coordinates and participates the review and final approval process for theses/dissertations, and coordinates the completion of the administrative processes associated with final approval of graduate manuscripts.
• Participates in the implementation and administration of associated electronic systems, processes, and procedures, as directed.
• Ensures compliance with University policies and standards in relation to grades, graduation and degree requirements, admissions, withdrawals, and associated issues.
• May provide leadership and day-to-day supervision to lower graded staff and/or student employees.
• Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
• Ability to gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Database management skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of graduate student curriculum, progress and graduation requirements.
• Analytical, evaluative, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines associated with the creation and handling of student records.
• Knowledge of college-level student affairs and student services principles and practices.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records.
• Knowledge of graduate academic admissions and transfer standards, requirements, and procedures.
• Knowledge of academic advisement procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of electronic data collection and data management systems and procedures.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Conditions of employment.

• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date : 05/02/2021

PhD Student (index no. 5505-00)

Job information, offer description.

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

For our projects related to atmospheric multiphase chemistry we are looking for a

PhD Student

Your tasks Solar radiation management by stratospheric aerosol injection SAI as an intermediate solution to reduce climate warming raises major concerns about the adverse effects on the stratospheric ozone layer. Embedded in an international interdisciplinary project, you will use in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS at the Swiss Light Source at PSI and elastic recoil detection analysis ERDA at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics at ETH Zurich to obtain insight into the fate of solid particles considered for SAI upon exposure to trace gases under stratospheric conditions. You will quantify the extent of surface and bulk chemical conversion. You will interact with the modelling groups in the project consortium for implementation of your findings in large scale atmospheric chemistry models. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled at ETH Zürich.

Requirements

Your profile You should have a master degree or equivalent in physical, environmental chemistry or material science. You should bring interest in molecular scale processes of the atmosphere. You should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.

Additional Information

We offer Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Markus Ammann, phone +41 56 310 40 49.

Please submit your application online by  23 May 2024 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (index no. 5505-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland,  www.psi.ch

Work Location(s)

Where to apply.

Stellenangebote

• Working at Augsburg University

PhD student (m/f/d), Faculty of Medicine

An opening in urban-scale air quality modelling exists at the Chair of Model-based Environmental Exposure Science (Prof. Dr. Christoph Knote), Faculty of Medicine , University of Augsburg, within a funded research project to be filled as soon as possible . We are looking for a  

PhD student (m/f/d)  

for a fixed-term employment contract of 75% of regular working hours for three years . If the personal and pay scale requirements are met, remuneration will be in accordance with pay group E13 TV-L.

Your duties:

• Conduct Urban-scale air quality simulations for the domain of Augsburg, Germany, and adjacent regions using, e.g., the PALM model (https://palm.muk.uni-hannover.de)
• Develop an approach to simplify the description of the interactions with traffic emissions and the urban background using novel methods (e.g., machine learning)
• Collaborate with partners to evaluate model results against personal exposure measurements
• Contribute to joint statistical analysis of health effects of traffic emissions
• Publish results in peer-reviewed international journals
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely for a fraction of your time
• Dynamic team with expertise in diverse areas (air quality, health impacts, toxicology)
• Strong collaborations with multiple national and international partners
• Support for continuing education possibilities

Your profile:

• Master’s degree in natural sciences
• Strong interest in quantitative analysis of environmental impacts on human health
• Any kind of previous experience with numerical modelling of physical systems, preferably of the atmosphere, ideally proven by a Master’s thesis on a relevant topic
• Communication and organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills to work within a diverse team of scientists

The required qualifications must already be proven in the application documents by relevant scientific certificates.

The University of Augsburg promotes professional equality for women and thus explicitly invites qualified female candidates to apply. Furthermore, the University of Augsburg stands particularly up for compatibility of family and career. For further information, please contact the Faculty Women's Representative. Applicants with disability (m/f/d) will have preference at otherwise equal suitability, qualification, and professional performance.

Please compile your application composed of the usual documents (CV, transcripts of grades, description of scientific interests, etc.) into a single pdf file and send it via e-mail to Prof. Christoph Knote at the Faculty of Medicine - e-Mail: [email protected] . The deadline for applications is

May 26th 2024

This job offer as well as further information about the Faculty can be found at http://www.med.uni-augsburg.de .

Please note that only the German version of the job advertisement is legally binding, which can be found on the website: https://www.uni-augsburg.de/de/jobs-und-karriere/stellenangebote . This English translation of the job advertisement is provided to help you understand the original German one.