Understanding Your Ph.D. Project

Finding the right Ph.D. project hinges on your interests, skills, and the people you collaborate with. This topic is gaining traction among an increasing number of young researchers embarking on their academic journeys as undergraduates, graduates, and Ph.D. candidates. Moreover, it aligns with the rise of science communicators on the Internet.

My own experiences have not only helped clarify my priorities but may also serve as inspiration for future scholars navigating their paths in science.

Do you prefer conducting research or discussing science?

This is a nuanced and somewhat contentious question. I don't want to dishearten any graduate or undergraduate students who might feel disillusioned and consider abandoning their research. Both routes—practicing science and communicating it—are equally valuable to society.

You might find joy in hands-on experiments, attending conferences, or earning your doctorate. However, it's essential to recognize that real scientific work involves a lot of tedious tasks and consistent effort. After you finish in the wet lab, there's data analysis, extensive reading, and a continuous cycle of thinking to generate new ideas.

Moreover, many scientific experiments may not yield results, requiring resilience to cope with repeated failures and an open mindset to handle critique from peers. In a nutshell, science often feels like a cycle of eat, sleep, pipette, fail, and repeat.

Reflecting on my own journey, a year ago, I found myself dreaming of mastering flow cytometry, ELISA, working with suspension cell cultures, and even attending a student retreat in a new outfit. Yet, that event never materialized.

As I explored my interests, I discovered a talent for science communication. I excelled at distilling complex scientific concepts for a general audience and creating engaging narratives for research groups. However, I struggled to translate this understanding into practical actions.

I recognized the possibility of being an outstanding science communicator, a scientific writer, or a marketing manager for life sciences. I was skilled at personal branding and promoting my ideas to graduate schools and faculty. My potential seemed limitless.

Ultimately, I opted for a rigorous academic path, choosing to engage in scientific research rather than simply discussing it. This decision demanded significant personal and professional growth.

Identifying Your Passionate Field

Now, you might think you know your direction. Perhaps a personal loss to pancreatic cancer has driven you toward oncology, or a fascination with the Ebola virus has led you to a rare infectious biology lab. However, numerous challenges lie ahead.

You may encounter demanding supervisors, conflicts with colleagues, or simply find yourself in a location that doesn’t suit you.

Figure 2. A path forward in research. (taken by the author)

As you reflect on your journey, you may question where you went wrong. Perhaps like me, you struggled to transition fields. It's crucial to remember that it's entirely normal to face such hurdles. In science, particularly in biomedicine, boundaries between fields are often blurred.

Your compatibility with the program, supervisor, and lab may be more important than the specifics of the project itself. If you're considering a project in immunology, for instance, you might find alternate paths to explore that still align with your interests, such as bioinformatics or in silico analysis.

You should focus on what resonates with you. Trying to leap from one extreme to another without a solid foundation will not get you far. In science, uniqueness can be an asset, leading to originality and potential patent opportunities.

The skills and knowledge you acquire at each educational level—bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D.—are transferable across various disciplines. Just as signaling pathways in the human body are interconnected, lab techniques often apply to diverse topics.

Choosing Between Project and Supervisor

This dilemma can be particularly challenging. The right choice often hinges on personal circumstances, making it difficult to provide blanket advice without specific context.

In my case, I was drawn to immunology, despite my limited knowledge in the field. Eagerly, I selected a project I was passionate about, assuming all supervisors and labs would be similar. However, I soon realized that passion alone might not be enough to thrive in a challenging work environment.

It's essential to recognize that a positive relationship with your supervisor can enhance your enthusiasm for the project. Conversely, if you dislike your supervisor, it may be hard to find fulfillment in the work. Remember, you may be working closely with this person for the next 3–5 years, and their management style can significantly impact your experience.

If you’re an intuitive person (like an INFJ or ENFP), trust your instincts.

I knew I wanted a contract rather than a stipend. During my application process, I sensed something was off when I received a smooth invitation for a written test. My future supervisor, a Korean woman, didn’t listen well and seemed dismissive when I expressed confusion about campus building labels.

My gut feeling warned me, but I chose to ignore it. The interview led to further discomfort when I met her project leader, who turned out to be her husband and had an intimidating demeanor.

After several challenging experiences, I determined that I would only pursue opportunities that met my criteria. I conducted thorough research on potential supervisors, labs, and past students' experiences before making my next move.

In the end, I realized that finding a perfect Ph.D. project was unrealistic. However, I was fortunate to connect with an exceptional supervisor whose vision aligned with mine. He was astute and attentive, understanding my needs and addressing my concerns even before I voiced them.

The project I am now pursuing is something I never envisioned, but the supportive environment has helped me explore my scientific interests and strengths. I seek a collaborative relationship rather than a competitive dynamic.

Figure 3. The interior of the University of Ulm. (taken by the author)

In conclusion, if you’re genuine about what you seek, you will attract opportunities that resonate with you.

Video Insights

In this video, "What makes a good PhD research project?", experts discuss the essential elements that contribute to a fulfilling and successful Ph.D. journey.

The video "How to choose a PhD topic | 5 TRICKS you should know about!" offers valuable tips for selecting a research topic that aligns with your interests and career goals.