Note that below is a working document which evolves with time and is heavily borrowed from Daniel Price, Andy Casey and others.
Expectations are a two-way street and Below tries to summarises my expectations for current and prospective research students. Explicitly listing expectations means that prospective students know what kind of working environment they can expect, and current student know what's expected of them during their research project.
There is an overwhelming level of evidence indicating that explicitly listing expectations (from both parties) leads to higher research outputs, happier students and researchers, and a more effective and friendly working environment.
Become an independent researcher. That is: be able to learn anything and confidently present your findings in talks.
Success in obtaining a postdoc position (if desired) or successful jump to workforce (if desired).
Have thoroughly enjoyed and challenged yourself.
Be curious! Show initiative. Have ideas. Develop them.
Be creative. Try new tools, methods and approaches (but do not get distracted by them!).
Be willing to learn. Do not make excuses for ignorance. Instead of “I don’t know how to do that”, use “I need to set aside some time learning that”.
Honesty. About your research progress. About your motivation. About your problems.
Keep to regular weekly meetings where possible, and give reasonable notice if you can’t make it (but of course we know things happen). Always send a calendar invite and bring an agenda to each meeting that includes: progress summary, decisions that need making, questions, etc.
Contribute to team efforts (e.g.observing, support etc) as part of your project.
To lead and write research papers (and observing proposals). Each part of your thesis should be guided by the eventual publication.
Organise your own travel, send receipts immediately via email, and clear your expenses from my card (I am not your secretary). Spend money as you would like your own money to be spent.
Be a good citizen. This means volunteering for at least one role or responsibility, either in the school, department or as part of the national astronomy community (e.g. ANITA, ASA).
To actively improve your communication skills, written and oral. This means submitting abstracts for talks at conferences, giving occasional talks at group meetings, and giving talks or posters at national workshops (e.g. ANITA, ASA). It also means being prepared to give a talk at an international conference, even when asked to do so at the last minute.
To apply for your own additional sources of travel funding where possible. This includes utilising your school/central money but also applying for other funding you become aware of. I expect you to look for conferences, do not expect me to know/tell you about interesting meetings.
To join the ASA as a student member, and apply for the $1000 student travel grant
Weekly attendance and active contribution to group meetings, except where sick, on holiday or on travel. This means being prepared to present a graph or slide, or discuss on the whiteboard problems you are working/stuck on. This is to aid you in thinking through the problems you are trying to solve.
Active engagement with relevant collaborators and international visitors. For example, taking lunch with relevant visitors and spending time explaining your work to them / being interested in theirs.
Regular (i.e. weekly where possible) attendance at astro seminars, in order to develop a broad knowledge of astronomy beyond your sub-field. Non-astronomy departmental colloquia are optional.
Develop a degree of independence such that, without getting distracted from your main project, you are ready to set your own research agenda after your PhD is finished (applies especially if youare interested in a postdoctoral position after your PhD).
Social interaction with other students. This means working mostly at Uni rather than at home [pandemic permitting] and taking active steps to socialise with other students.
To be an active member of the local organising committee for any conferences organised by our group.
For PhD students: To be willing to assist with supervision of MSc or undergraduate projects. Optional is to actually propose and lead (co-supervise) an undergraduate or summer research project yourself.
Put in equivalent full time hours towards your PhD studies (i.e. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or equivalent). I do not expect you to work weekends (and encourage you not to — a PhD is a long time, don’t get burnt out). I expect you to maintain a work-life balance.
You to back up your work daily.
Be kind to people.
Weekly meetings of up to 60 mins duration, except where I am sick, on holiday, or on travel. More if needed
Encouragement and kindness
Honest and non-judgemental feedback about your progress / problems, suggestions for improvement.
Celebration of your achievements
Opportunities to give talks
Contribution to your travel funding from grants or personal research funds, when available
Timely fixes for issues (e.g. code bugs) that are blocking progress
A quiet and non-distracting office environment, with your own allocated desk
Feedback within 1-2 week on completed paper drafts
No expectation of teaching responsibilities (teaching is your choice, I am happy to facilitate if you want the experience)
Active collaboration on research projects
A decent and functional laptop + external display + external backup drive provided by the School (Macbook pro or similar)
13. Mentoring in supervision of undergraduate research projects
14. Help with writing research papers
15. Help with visualisation of results
16. Help and advice regarding your student milestone reviews
17. Introduction to other researchers (incl. scary senior ones) at conferences or via email/slack
18. Responses on Slack/email within 24 hours (except weekends and holidays).
19. Access to observational resource time as needed (but I may ask for help writing applications)
20. Occasional research group social events (a few times per year)
21. Endorsement needed to join the ASA
22. Not to be compared with other students
23. No pressure to work weekends
24. Job references and help with writing grant/job applications towards the end of the PhD
Remember: Research has feedback and momentum, and it's not for everyone and that is ok! Academia is the alternative career path and you are not a failure if you decide research is not for you.