Thank you so much. We very much appreciate your time and for sharing it too! 🙏

Lovely view!

Approved by University of Nottingham Ethics Committee, Ref: S1715

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AN ATTENTION CHECK! This basically means that there is a check to make sure you are reading carefully, if people do not pass it, we cannot use the data. 2/2

I would also like to take the time to thank the participants for sharing their experiences and being so honest with us. We appreciate YOU and the work you do. Thank you.

This study sheds light on both the challenges and rewards of being a PhD demonstrator. Let’s push for change that values and supports these essential roles.
Read the full article: doi.org/10.53761/57k...

#PhDChat #GTA #AcademicWork #HEresearch

6/6

What can be done?
Institutions should:
- Standardize titles.
- Offer tailored support & mentorship.
- Improve working conditions.

Demonstrators should:
- Seek support networks.
- Engage in professional development.

5/6

Why does this matter?
The role of PhD demonstrators is vital but often misunderstood. Our findings highlight the need for:

- Clearer job titles.
- Better training & support.
- Recognition of dual identities.
- Fairer employment practices.

4/6

What did we find?

Four themes were developed through reflexive thematic analysis:
1️⃣ Ambiguity in the “demonstrator” label.
2️⃣ Stress from workload, unpredictability, & lack of autonomy.
3️⃣ Feelings of being unsupported.
4️⃣ Positive aspects such as mentorship & skill growth.

3/6

What did we do?
We interviewed 16 PhD demonstrators from both Russell Group and non-Russell Group unis to understand:

-Teaching benefits & challenges.
-Dual student-teacher identities.
-Views on the “demonstrator” title.

2/6