- #1
maverick_starstrider
- 1,119
- 6
Hi all,
I apologize in advance for a bit of a lengthy preface on my question.
I'm a PhD student in computational condensed matter (with a specialization in parallel and high-performance computing) who's just finishing off my degree. I don't want to continue in condensed matter, however, after starting my job search quite early I've become extremely interested in nanoelectronics, emerging memory and device modelling. Having recognized this interest quite early I've tried to retool myself, in terms of my resume, by taking two graduate courses in device physics and semiconductor fabrication techniques (which unfortunately had no hands on components) in addition to some online courses in nanoelectronics.
Although I'm currently interested in the "cutting edge" stuff I think I would also really be interested in any form of current device modelling (i.e. reliability or the likes) or fabrication or process modeling or just being a flat-out device engineer, though I have absolutely no experimental/characterization/hands-on experience. Thus, I think my ultimate goal would be to end up in industry, in say silicon valley, working either in research (ideally) or engineering (almost just as good) or in software development for simulation and modelling software (things like COMSOL, Silvaco, etc.).
Now I've sent out a whole lot of resumes and also looked into postdocs in the field and I've gotten a few interviews but no offers from industry. However, I am getting the sense (and sometimes being explicitly told) that I've started my job hunt to early (4-6 months before I graduate) so it is difficult for me to evaluate whether I'm being held back by the fact that I'm really a physicist with a background in quantum phase transitions and spin systems (though I really try to present my resume as a solid state physics + simulation/modelling expert) or if I'm just starting too early.
Now, finally, my question. I have just received a postdoc offer in nanoelectronic device modelling from a fairly prestigious German university. This is a potentially great opportunity both because I would LOVE to spend a couple years living in Europe on someone else's dime and because I am already envisioning the bullet points I could add to my resume and the way I could spin myself more as an engineer with a physics background (rather than a physicist who wants to go into engineering). It is however a research position in fairly cutting edge nanotechnology with no hands-on component.
Am I kidding myself into thinking that taking a few years putzing around in Europe working on computer models of pie-in-the-sky research devices is going to give me any benefit for getting the kind of job I want afterwards? Am I kidding myself that I could move into industry with my qualifications (and lack of hands-on experience though I do have a "theoretical" knowledge of fabrication and characterization)? Or should I forgo the offer and risk waiting until closer til graduation and hope that industry interest picks up about a month or two before I graduate? Any feedback is appreciated. I'm just looking for a reality check.
I apologize in advance for a bit of a lengthy preface on my question.
I'm a PhD student in computational condensed matter (with a specialization in parallel and high-performance computing) who's just finishing off my degree. I don't want to continue in condensed matter, however, after starting my job search quite early I've become extremely interested in nanoelectronics, emerging memory and device modelling. Having recognized this interest quite early I've tried to retool myself, in terms of my resume, by taking two graduate courses in device physics and semiconductor fabrication techniques (which unfortunately had no hands on components) in addition to some online courses in nanoelectronics.
Although I'm currently interested in the "cutting edge" stuff I think I would also really be interested in any form of current device modelling (i.e. reliability or the likes) or fabrication or process modeling or just being a flat-out device engineer, though I have absolutely no experimental/characterization/hands-on experience. Thus, I think my ultimate goal would be to end up in industry, in say silicon valley, working either in research (ideally) or engineering (almost just as good) or in software development for simulation and modelling software (things like COMSOL, Silvaco, etc.).
Now I've sent out a whole lot of resumes and also looked into postdocs in the field and I've gotten a few interviews but no offers from industry. However, I am getting the sense (and sometimes being explicitly told) that I've started my job hunt to early (4-6 months before I graduate) so it is difficult for me to evaluate whether I'm being held back by the fact that I'm really a physicist with a background in quantum phase transitions and spin systems (though I really try to present my resume as a solid state physics + simulation/modelling expert) or if I'm just starting too early.
Now, finally, my question. I have just received a postdoc offer in nanoelectronic device modelling from a fairly prestigious German university. This is a potentially great opportunity both because I would LOVE to spend a couple years living in Europe on someone else's dime and because I am already envisioning the bullet points I could add to my resume and the way I could spin myself more as an engineer with a physics background (rather than a physicist who wants to go into engineering). It is however a research position in fairly cutting edge nanotechnology with no hands-on component.
Am I kidding myself into thinking that taking a few years putzing around in Europe working on computer models of pie-in-the-sky research devices is going to give me any benefit for getting the kind of job I want afterwards? Am I kidding myself that I could move into industry with my qualifications (and lack of hands-on experience though I do have a "theoretical" knowledge of fabrication and characterization)? Or should I forgo the offer and risk waiting until closer til graduation and hope that industry interest picks up about a month or two before I graduate? Any feedback is appreciated. I'm just looking for a reality check.