Best experimental techniques to learn for a future postdoc/lecturership/job?

[barnflakes]

What are the best things to learn during your PhD in terms of helping you get a job in physics afterwards?

Spectroscopy?
FPGA Programming?
Vacuum techniques?
Nanofabrication?
etc.

Please give some examples with reasons.

 

[Andy Resnick]

Depends on the type of job. Broadly speaking, your ability to get a job in industry will increase if you have knowledge of:

Experimental design
Precision metrology
Error budgeting

In addition to techniques specific to your research. The ability to have intelligent discussions with engineers cannot be overstated.

As for academic jobs, being able to use your techniques to explore new applications is a plus.

 

[Gokul43201]

What are the best things to learn during your PhD in terms of helping you get a job in physics afterwards?

Spectroscopy?
FPGA Programming?
Vacuum techniques?
Nanofabrication?
etc.

Please give some examples with reasons.

Is it primarily within Cond Mat that you are looking for options?

 

[barnflakes]

Is it primarily within Cond Mat that you are looking for options?

Yep!

 

[Matrix0]

I would say that the best experimental techniques to learn for a future postdoc, lecturership, or job in physics would depend on your specific research interests and career goals. However, there are a few techniques that are widely applicable and highly valuable in the field of physics. These include spectroscopy, FPGA programming, vacuum techniques, and nanofabrication.

Spectroscopy is a powerful tool used in many areas of physics, including astrophysics, materials science, and quantum mechanics. It involves the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, providing valuable information about the energy levels and structural properties of a material. Learning spectroscopic techniques during your PhD can greatly enhance your understanding of various physical phenomena and make you a valuable asset in a wide range of research projects.

FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) programming is another highly sought-after skill in the field of physics. FPGAs are specialized integrated circuits that can be programmed to perform specific tasks, making them useful for data acquisition, signal processing, and control systems in experimental setups. With the increasing use of FPGAs in physics research, having a strong understanding of their programming and application can greatly enhance your job prospects.

Vacuum techniques are crucial in many areas of physics, particularly in the study of gases and plasma. Understanding how to create and maintain a vacuum, as well as how to measure and manipulate gas properties under vacuum conditions, is an essential skill for any physicist. This knowledge can be gained through hands-on experience during your PhD, and it will make you a valuable candidate for jobs in research and development, as well as in industries such as semiconductors and aerospace.

Nanofabrication is a rapidly growing field in physics, with applications in electronics, optics, and materials science. This technique involves the fabrication and manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, which requires specialized equipment and skills. Learning nanofabrication techniques during your PhD can open up opportunities for jobs in research and development, as well as in industries such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.

In addition to these specific experimental techniques, it is also important to develop a strong foundation in data analysis, programming, and communication skills during your PhD. These skills are highly transferable and can greatly enhance your job prospects in both academia and industry.

Overall, the best things to learn during your PhD in terms of helping you get a job in physics afterwards would be a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills,