2. • An overview of the GW4 and recruitment
process
• Introduction to the interview format and
processes on the day
• How to prepare yourself for your interview
• Hints and tips
• FAQs
Today
4. Student Journey
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Thesis
PhD begins
Industry
Other destinations
Academia
Non-biomed/
Diversity
Outreach
Anonymised
shortlisting
Selection by
excellence (no
quotas)
Placement
HEI community
Theme community
Whole DTP
Broadening
Horizons
Transition
To Post Doc
“Prep”
5. • Passion for academic study, curious to
question
• Resilience and determination
• Evidence of ability to overcome challenges
and independently find solutions to problems
• Highly self-motivated
What are
we looking
for in our
applicants?
6. • Critical thinking ability:
• Tell us about your piece of data, think about what is important
for us to know to understand that data, how does it fit with the
bigger picture of the work?
• How do you fit with your first-choice project and our
DTP?
• Your personal motivation
What are
we looking
for in the
interview?
7. • Please contact the lead supervisor of the projects
that you have applied for
• Please send us a piece of data to share at your
interview, plus your transcripts and references by
midday on Friday, 19th January 2024
• The figure should be of data you have analysed,
• be no more than 1 A4 page (1 side),
• one element or process/schematic is perfectly acceptable
but can be up to 4 panels
• a figure legend of up to 100 words may be added
• you should not assume that interviewers have read the
legend or have knowledge of the experimental approach.
Data
Analysis
8. • There will be 3 or 4 panel members on the
interview panel. Due to time restraints, they will
not introduce themselves to you as we want to
prioritise hearing from you!
• One panel member will be chairing and will lead
the conversation
• They will each ask one or two questions
• The interview will last approx. 30 mins
• You will be asked to share your data on screen
• ‘Tell us about your piece of data, how does it fit with the
bigger picture of the work?’
• You will have a maximum of 5 mins to describe your data,
with questions to follow from the interviewers.
• You will be informed of some of the other questions
2 days ahead of the interview
The
Interview
Process
9. • Think about the data you have provided. How can
you introduce it to the panel succinctly?
• Speak to your potential supervisors
• Make the most of this meeting by preparing
• Use it to ensure you are confident that this is the project
for you
• Think about the project, read around the project
area
• Where does your project fit into the wider topic area?
• You will be provided with SOME of the interview
questions in advance.
• DO NOT contact your supervisor about these questions.
• DO your own thinking/research
The
Interview
Process
10. • Your PhD goals
• Why this PhD program?
• Your research interests
• Important issues in your theme
• Relevant experiences or challenges
• How you fit with your target PhD
project
• Questions about the PhD program
• Life as a PhD student
The
Interview
Process
11. • Be on time
• Spend time with out current students in the ‘virtual
coffee room’
• Test out zoom in advance and sharing your data on
screen
• Use the best internet you can access
• Have a plan B if your internet is shaky
• Find the quietest place you can away from
interruptions
• Use a room with good light and think about your
background and distractions
• Silence your phone
• Turn off notifications
• Maintain your focus
Getting
Ready
12. • Have a glass of water near by
• Brain fog
• Happens to everyone, stay calm
• Take a deep breath and try and relax your
body
• Refocus
• Ask them to repeat the question
• Preparation will help
• Prepare the given questions, not just
what you will say but also how
Getting
Ready
13. • Do you want transcripts or references?
• You must submit your transcripts by midday on Friday, 19th January
2024
• Referees should submit their references directly to the DTP team
(no set word limit or format) and you should arrange this, also by
midday on Friday, 19th January 2024.
• What happens if someone else is offered my first-choice
project?
• You are offered your second choice if you put one, if not, or this
project has already been taken, you will not be offered a place.
• Should I speak to the potential supervisor about the
project?
• Yes, you will have been invited to contact your potential supervisor
• Discuss your background and project/the prep period
• Your potential supervisor plays no part in the interview process
• Can I do my PhD remotely?
• MRC requires you to live in proximity to your primary institution
• We expect you to attend all cohort building events and to benefit
from local activities within your group/department to enhance
your PhD experience
FAQ
14. • I am an international student; will I have to pay more in
fees?
• No, the Institutions will cover the additional cost of international
fees, but you will be required to cover the costs of your student
visa, healthcare surcharges and all other costs of moving to the UK.
• I have disabilities and need support to complete a PhD
• If you have ANY specific needs around the interview process, please
let us know in advance so that we can support you
• All 4 institutes have student support services who can assist you
and help you apply for a disability support allowance to fund any
adjustments that are required.
• Can I do a PhD part time?
• Yes, for the same % stipend and this extends the time
commensurate with the reduced hours. This may depend on the
nature of the project and will be agreed with the supervisor.
• Is there support for students from LGBTQ+ or minority
ethnic backgrounds?
• Yes, all institutes have support groups, and we are keen to ensure
everyone has the opportunity to access the DTP, particularly those
from minoritized groups.
FAQ
15. A quick reminder of dates:
• Speak to your potential supervisors for your first
(and second) choice project before midday on
Friday, 19th January 2024.
• Provide your sheet of data to GW4 team by midday
on Friday 19th January 2024
• You will receive an email giving you some of the
questions that will be in the interview 2 days
before your interview. Do NOT contact your
potential supervisor after Friday 19th January
2024.
• This webinar is repeated on Wednesday 10th
January at 10.00am and Thursday 11th January at
2.30pm.
Thank you
