u/Trexxstyle

Hi everyone,

I'm in the research discipline of molecular microbiology and infectious diseases, and I've recently been given the opportunity to visit the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan, to receive hands-on training in Sanger sequencing and other molecular laboratory techniques.

Since the training period will be one month, I'd really appreciate advice from people working in molecular biology, microbiology, sequencing or related fields:

If you had access to a well-equipped research institute for a limited period, which laboratory techniques would you prioritise learning?

I'm particularly interested in techniques that would make me more independent and versatile as a researcher, rather than simply learning techniques for the sake of having them on my CV.

Also, if there are any techniques that you learned early in your career that ended up being unexpectedly valuable, I'd love to hear about those too.

I thank everyone in advance

Hi everyone,

For background, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology from a Scottish university without a final-year research project (degree classification second-lower).

I have been offered a 2-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) position at a reputed state university in my country, as I've been working there as a Research Assistant for the past two years. Over here (Sri Lanka), I cannot register for a PhD directly, and can only upgrade to one from an MPhil. Also, an MPhil qualification here is considered to be of a higher level than a taught Master's (Level 11 for MPhil vs. Level 10 for MSc).

An MPhil is a postgraduate research-focused degree that sits just below a Doctoral degree and does not provide a final GPA.

Based on my research online, Germany does not offer standalone qualifications like an MPhil and considers an MPhil equivalent to a second-cycle (Masters) degree.

If I were to apply for PhD positions in Germany after my MPhil, would the lack of coursework and final GPA hinder my chances? I am aware that different PhD positions will have different requirements.

I would appreciate any advice from people who have applied for PhD programs in Germany following MPhil/MSc/MRes degrees in their home country. And, specifically, if there are MRes or MPhil holders (no coursework, only research) who went through the process of applying for PhD programs in Germany, whether your research-focused degree was considered eligible for a PhD position without coursework/GPA.

I would be grateful for any advice related to other European countries too.

Thank you in advance!