5 Simple Ways to Find a Potential PhD Supervisor

If you’re seriously thinking about doing a PhD, or in the midst of drafting a project proposal, then you should have already started thinking about a potential supervisor. Each academic has their own supervising style. Whether you’re looking for someone to work you hard, the top academic in a field, or a friendly face to support you, finding that person can be crucial to the success of your application and your overall degree.

But how do you find that person?

It can seem complicated (and potentially a bit intimidating) but some of the best ways to find a potential supervisor are also some of the simplest. I should know – I did myself not too long ago!

Here are a few methods to help you along that yellow brick (or red brick) road to find the best academic for you and your project.

If you’re looking to do a PhD then it’s likely you will have already completed a Bachelors and maybe a Masters. Take some time to consider the possibility of working with staff you’re already familiar with.

I adored studying with my undergraduate dissertation tutor. We had an excellent working relationship and under his supervision I achieved my best grade. But, by the time it got to PhD applications my research interests had evolved and so, while I would have been thrilled to go back, I knew fitting myself into a box I didn’t want to be in would not work.

I did, however, end up staying with my Masters supervisor. Our relationship wasn’t as strong at first, but he pushed me hard and I felt that was something I would need to get through the PhD. The university also ended up being the best choice for my situation and living expenses were affordable.

Even if you don’t choose a supervisor you already know, use your past experience to figure out what qualities you might want or need, then go from there.

An easy way to locate potential supervisors is to see who’s currently active in your research field. Check the latest publications, board members of funded projects, or even references in your past essays. Then, make a note of names that crop up. With just a quick search you can find out if they’re researching at a university you could apply to – and maybe you'll even stumble across their own website.

Once you have eliminated those that can’t supervise you (because they’re based at universities too far away, or aren’t accepting PhD students), spend some time researching those that can. Read some of their recent publications to make sure their interests match up to your project, or see if there is a list of students who they currently supervise.

Bear in mind that academics who supervise a lot of students might not be able to dedicate as much time to you. If frequent contact is something you’re looking for, then maybe ask them about their availability in an email (we’ll be getting to that part shortly).

Busy academics also might not be seeking to take on new students, though it is always worth checking if they seem like the right person for you.

If you know that you’re geographically limited, then make a list of all the universities you can apply for and go through their department staff lists. This is not exactly the most entertaining task, but it could just find that needle in the haystack.

Unfortunately, these lists are not always the most descriptive of their researchers, but they do link you to staff personal profiles. While you might end up with thirty odd tabs open, you should now have a better idea of what research the university supports and how you might fit in.

Having tried this method, it would not be my first port of call, but it can’t hurt! Just type in something relevant to your field, or ‘top researchers in X’ and see what pops up. You could also search outreach projects or interesting experiments and see where the rabbit hole leads you.

Lastly, when you have a narrowed list of potential supervisors, reach out to them. Since you might be working with this person for the next few years, you can’t just base your decision off their credentials. It’s important to communicate with potential supervisors so you can get a feel for the type mentorship you might receive.

Academics usually prefer if you contact them early so they can also get to know you and your project. If they don’t think they’ll be the right fit or have the time, they will let you know. Some might even recommend a colleague who could be more suitable.

Make a note of response time, their enthusiasm towards your ideas, and the level of constructive feedback offered. If you’ve followed the first step, then hopefully you’ll already have a list of qualities that you’re looking for.

Now you can start weighing up your choices.

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