Dr Vivien Rolfe is principal lecturer in Bioscience at De Montfort University, specialising in intestinal physiology and nutrition
Networking is a vital part of a research career: Looking back over these 20 years, my route has certainly not down to career planning. I'd say network, network, network. Apply for jobs and always phone up for feedback.
As an employer and potential supervisor, things that impress me are well-written emails enquiring about my work and opportunities, or someone that picks up the phone to enquire. Ask your lecturers who they know. I suppose you might be able to network through Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook as well.
Think carefully about whether you need to study a master's degree: A master's (MSc) is a good route to get onto a PhD if you have achieved a 2:2, and I've known graduates, past and present, that have got onto PhDs and are now very successful through this route. If you already have a 2:1, I wouldn't say it adds much value, and you certainly must pick your MSc course carefully. I've known graduates go onto UK-based master's and being no further stretched than in the final year of their degree. If you have a 2:1, and still choose an MSc, find a course leader and staff with research links and with heightened chances of gaining funding for PhD studentships in their department, and choose a taught MSc with a juicy research project.
Professor Paul Sharpe is Dickinson professor of Craniofacial Biology at King's College London
Make sure you are prepared for PhD interviews: I will often interview someone with a 2:2 and an MSc for a PhD but you will be in competition with new graduates who may have first-class degrees. What can swing it for you is preparation for the interview. It is amazing how many PhD applicants don't prepare for the interview. Make sure you read everything the supervisor has published in the last few years.
Simon Cutler is senior innovation and skills programme manager at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Simon is responsible for the management of a variety of career and skills-related programmes that are funded and run by the BBSRC
Don't be shy about networking - it can be very beneficial: Just talk to people. Do not be afraid to ask questions of senior individuals - many are often very flattered to be approached. Within reason, take every opportunity to attend conferences, free business events and so on, remembering that completing your studies is important too. And make sure once you have made contact that you maintain a relationship; LinkedIn, for instance, offers a good way to stay in touch.
Smaller employers can offer more variety and challenges: There are still opportunities out there, although they are not always advertised. Many smaller companies are keen to recruit postgraduates with valuable skills, but of course you need to be prepared to take a risk here. While you will not necessarily get all of the benefits associated with larger organisations, such as pensions and healthcare, the variety and challenges will be extensive and set you up with more options post-recession. Make sure you explain what skills you have and how you could apply these to working for any organisation. Covering letters are still useful to sell your self to prospective employers.
Graham Fraser is a research project support scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge
Cuts to research funding weren't as deep as they could have been: At the Medical Research Council (and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), our level of recruitment and training is dictated by how much money the government give us. George and Vince were relatively kind to us and "ringfenced" two new flagship research facilities in the UK (here in Cambridge and also in London), as well as not slashing our budget as much as they could have.
Here in Cambridge, in just two years time, the brand new MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology building will open, which will create more research roles. There is also a development at King's Cross which will house an expanded National Institute for Medical Research. I've personally been quite relieved by the spending review, it could have been a lot worse. I would give it two years before we see any real change in the number of research jobs available.
A PhD is vital for getting ahead in research: If you want a serious career in research then a PhD is a must. The topic you choose is not wholly influential on your future career for two reasons. Firstly, the practical techniques you acquire during your PhD can be transferred between many different fields of research and secondly, young scientists are encouraged to be diverse in the areas they work. PhD will take the best part of four years (three if you get lucky) and getting funding is a lot easier if you have a 2:1 or a first (can't put any numbers to it I'm afraid).
Mike Hughson is a biochemical engineer at University College London - he is currently researching vaccine manufacturing
Skills you learn through a PhD hold you in good stead for a range of careers: Don't forget you'll be learning all sorts of techniques and skills during your PhD, such as how to direct research, write publications, work in a research group, management, organisational and problem solving skills... it'll probably change the way you think and approach difficulties. Such things can applied across many different professions, not least the whole of life sciences.
