Information For Potential PhD Students

Projects
We are interested in many aspects of speciation, population genomics and the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity.  Please have a look at recent publications and our research pages to get an idea of current projects - you will be expected to find a project that works with alongside or build upon our current research areas. We are  keen on projects that combine computational, field and lab work wherever possible, such that you can get to know the organisms in the wild. 

In Cambridge there is plenty of opportunity for joint supervision/collaborative projects with other members of the department – see the Zoology staff. The extent to which a specific project has been developed when you apply varies enormously. Some people have very specific projects in mind, others are still considering broad areas. No preference is given with respect to this – there is plenty of time for projects to be developed!

I thought it might be useful to say something about my supervising philosophy. I like to try and allow students to develop their own ideas, as far as is possible within the constraints of the short UK PhD. Generally this will involve me suggesting an initial project which I think is feasible in the first year or so, which can then be developed in whatever direction you find interesting as things develop. In general, this is a good compromise between ensuring that you get some data quickly, and allowing room to develop your own ideas. I try to be always available for discussion, and usually also have regular organised project meetings weekly. The postdocs in the lab also play an important role in student supervision, mainly because they usually know what is going on far better than I do. Also, feel free to contact one of my students and ask what it is like.

PhD applications – UK applicants
There are a variety of funding sources in Cambridge and these will require several different applications - for example the BBSRC DTP has a deadline that is earlier than the main Zoology applications in early January. Make sure you are aware of all the options (ask Chris). The main source of funding over recent years in my group has been the NERC DTP - you will be entered for this if you apply to Zoology. Look out for my projects on the department web pages or get in touch about your own interests. An independent panel chooses which students to interview (interviews will probably take place in Feb – a visit then would also give you a chance to meet/talk with our group), on the basis of student (not supervisor) quality, interviews them, and then offers studentships to those that they think are the best candidates.

Check the Dept postgrad web pages for up to date details of the process.

PhD applications – Overseas applicants
I have had good success in recruiting and funding overseas students, and students in my lab have come from the US, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Brazil, India, Ecuador and Colombia. I am keen to support Latin American students. Cambridge has a number of sources of money for students from outside the UK that are not available elsewhere in the UK – the funding is obviously competitive, but not impossible. The most important thing is to get your application in before the funding deadlines – this is currently sometime in October for US applicants and December for other countries. It is especially important for overseas applicants to read the University graduate web pages carefully. Also make sure that you fill the forms in for all available sources of funding. Even if you think you have a fellowship from elsewhere, nothing is lost in applying to all available sources – remember once the deadline is passed you cant go back and apply.

You will need to choose a college – I am a fellow at St Johns, which is one of the few colleges that fully funds graduate students. This is therefore a good option to increase your chances of getting money. Some other colleges offer funding – students in Zoology have had good experiences in Pembroke, Clare and Emmanuel. Its a good idea to talk to someone in Cambridge about which college to choose before you fill in the form – please contact Chris. The choice of college can make a surprisingly large difference to your life in Cambridge in terms of accommodation, funding etc.

What to do
If you are interested then you should first get in touch with me (Chris Jiggins) and send:
(1) CV. (2) Details of 2 or 3 Referees – also ask them to email me their references. (3) A cover letter describing your interests, and what you would like to work on (this can obviously vary from vague areas to a specific project).