PhD Student

Salary

ca. £1400 each year for 3 years from the start of my PhD

What is it that you do?

I am studying a PhD in physical chemistry. In brief, our research group investigates new energy materials for solar applications. My project has focussed on dye-sensitised solar cells, which are molecular solar cells with a diverse range of applications. I have mainly been using time-resolved spectroscopy techniques and device fabrication.

What does your day-to-day job involve?

I am currently writing my PhD thesis, which involves collating the results I have gathered in the last three years and producing a ca. 40000 word document which details my contribution to the field.

How long have you been working in the industry?

4 years masters degree, 3 years PhD (and counting) Edit this response

What qualifications do you have?

Masters degree in Chemistry, first class

How did you get into this role?

After studying Chemistry at A level, I decided I wanted to pursue chemistry at University level so I applied through Ucas.

What are you most proud of in your career?

The skills I have developed during my PhD - eg. presentation, time-management, independent working, writing publications 

What do you like most about your job?

Being able to manage my own time. I plan the activities for my day, and usually every day is different.

Anything you particularly dislike?

Currently, my PhD funding has finished but I am still working to write my thesis.

What qualities do you believe you need to succeed in this job?

Determination, ambition, focus

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into your industry?

Be prepared to work hard. You won't usually be told exactly which experiments to do so be prepared to think for yourself.

Finally, what is the strangest thing you have ever had to do in your working life?

For an outreach project, I stuck toothbrush heads onto small solar cells with a motor attached to them so that they would vibrate across a table when light was shone on them.