PhD in Theoretical Solid State Physics: Industry vs. Academia

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences and qualifications of individuals in the field of physics, particularly focusing on the pursuit of Ph.D. degrees and the differences between academic and industry careers. Participants share their educational backgrounds, current positions, and aspirations within the realm of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express their current educational status, with several working towards or holding a Ph.D. in various fields of physics, including nuclear, particle, and condensed matter physics.
  • Others discuss their experiences in academia versus industry, with some noting the challenges of balancing work and graduate studies.
  • There are inquiries about the nature of condensed matter physics and its significance in the job market, with one participant suggesting that it encompasses the study of materials and is a major field within physics.
  • Participants share their personal journeys, including those who have transitioned from academic pursuits to industry roles and vice versa.
  • Some express uncertainty about the specific nature of degrees and fields within physics, prompting clarifications about the distinctions between Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees.
  • One participant discusses the role of photocathodes in electron accelerators, highlighting their applications in both research and medical contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the best path between academia and industry, as participants share varied experiences and opinions. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on the value of different physics specializations and the challenges faced in pursuing advanced degrees.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the job market and the relevance of their degrees, indicating that the discussion may be influenced by personal circumstances and the evolving landscape of physics careers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to current and prospective physics students, educators, and professionals considering their career paths in academia or industry.

Thallium
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Who in here are physicists?

To those who are:Do you have a doctor degree? Do you work in a science institution or as tutors somewhere?
 
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Originally posted by Thallium
Who in here are physicists?

To those who are:Do you have a doctor degree? Do you work in a science institution or as tutors somewhere?

That would be me. Just a BA. Disabled for the moment. Hope to get into medical physics soon.
 
I work as a researcher at a lab. I was in grad school. I was about 3/4 through when it got to be a bit too much. I already had a job doing research, and the combined work/school load was nasty. I always think about going back, but time is hard to come by nowadays. While it hasn't held me back, I don't recommend it. I got in during a boom when my skills were needed. My experience kept me working. But nowadays, I don't think I would be as lucky.

Njorl
 
I am working on my Ph.D. right now in nuclear and particle physics.
YEAH!
It is hard... and it makes my head hurt a lot... especially my good friend Mr. J.D. Jackson

I also got my B.S. in physics.
Cheers,
Norm
 
Another BS in Phyiscs here. I do not work directly in Physics. But then haveing the basic knowledge effects how I approach the problems of my job.
 
In Grad school, researching CMP.

JMD
 
i am doing my first year of a bachelor of science in physics hoping to do a full pHD. I am goin for the whole nine
 
Here a Physicist also (Ph.D.). Presently doing research at a university.
 
Ph.D. here, professor at a private college in the US.
 
  • #10
OK, since we're doing a head count, physicist (Ph.D) here too. I'm working at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, IL.

My academic training and postdoctoral work were in experimental Condensed Matter Physics, but I am currently working in the field of accelerator physics, specifically on photocathode development for electron accelerators.

Zz.
 
  • #11
So many exciting jobs!

What means BS and BA?

Ph.D is a doctor degree right? What sort of Ph.D do you guys have?

What Condensed Matter Physics all about?

To ZapperZ: Could you tell me a bit more about the photocathode for the electron accelerator? Its purpose etc..
 
  • #12
Currently working on a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in both mathematics and physics. I'll hopefully get it by the end of the year.

Going for a MSc (Master of Science) in physics are applied mathematics next year.
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Thallium
So many exciting jobs!

What means BS and BA?

Ph.D is a doctor degree right? What sort of Ph.D do you guys have?

What Condensed Matter Physics all about?

To ZapperZ: Could you tell me a bit more about the photocathode for the electron accelerator? Its purpose etc..

A Bs is a Bachelor of Science degree and a BA is a Bachelor of Art degree. The difference is usually just a few more lab classes for the BS major.
Cheers,
Norm
 
  • #14
Originally posted by Norman
A Bs is a Bachelor of Science degree and a BA is a Bachelor of Art degree. The difference is usually just a few more lab classes for the BS major.
Cheers,
Norm

Sometimes there is no distinction and the BA/BS is a reflection on the school itself.
 
  • #15
Originally posted by Thallium
So many exciting jobs!

Ph.D is a doctor degree right? What sort of Ph.D do you guys have?


Ph.D. in General Relativity and Cosmology.
 
  • #16
Originally posted by GRQC
Ph.D. in General Relativity and Cosmology.
I wasn't aware universities offered such degrees. Could you indulge us and tell us where you got them?

- Warren
 
  • #17
Thalliu - Please check your "PM" - I sent you a personal message.

Arcon
 
  • #18
Originally posted by chroot
I wasn't aware universities offered such degrees. Could you indulge us and tell us where you got them?

- Warren

Sigh... Picky picky. Ph.D. in physics; field of expertise GR et al. That better? I assumed that since we're on a physics forum, and also that GR is theoretical physics, then the association between academic department and specialization would be implied.

As the Chronicle of Higher Education would say, my degree is from Major Research U, and I work at Prestegious Liberal Arts College. That's as specific as I'm going to get.
 
Last edited:
  • #19
i would be interested to kno wat Chroot has in terms of physics degrees? plse enlighten
 
  • #20
I'm working on my Ph.D.
 
  • #21
Yes I read your PM Arcon! Thank you for letting me know. At least there is no lack of good imagination :wink:

To Stingray, what sort of Ph.D?
 
  • #22
Originally posted by Thallium
To Stingray, what sort of Ph.D?

physics specializing in relativity
 
  • #23
Originally posted by Thallium
So many exciting jobs!

What Condensed Matter Physics all about?

To ZapperZ: Could you tell me a bit more about the photocathode for the electron accelerator? Its purpose etc..

Condensed matter physics, to put it crudely, is the study of the physics of materials. Solid State physics is a major part of this field. So stuff like the physics of metals, insulators, semiconductors, superconductors, magnetism, etc., are all a part of condensed matter. In fact, unless I'm mistaken, the majority of practicising physicists (60%) are in the field of condensed matter/material science. It is certainly the largest division in the American Physical Society. If you want a more specific coverage of the area of this field, just pick up Physical Review B (I and II), which covers all articles in condensed matter, or pick up Physical Review Letters, which has two separate sections for condensed matter papers.

Photocathodes are cathodes, i.e. electron sources. A photocathode produces electrons via photoemission (i.e. photoelectric effect). Photocathodes are widely used in electron accelerators that are a part of linear accelerators (linacs), synchrotron centers, large particle accelerators such as the ones at CERN and Fermilab (as part of either a proton cooling technique, or to produce other heavy particle sources), and even medical applications. There's a good chance that a large hospital near you (of course, depending where in the world you are) would have a medical linear accelerator to produce intense X-ray.

Zz.
 
  • #24
Originally posted by FUNKER
i would be interested to kno wat Chroot has in terms of physics degrees? plse enlighten
Actually, I have no physics degrees, and am quite a long way from getting one at this point. :frown:

- Warren
 
  • #25
Its all good man atleast u r dedicated to the cause and the forum. :smile:
 
  • #26
Originally posted by chroot
Actually, I have no physics degrees, and am quite a long way from getting one at this point. :frown:

- Warren

Be patient. It comes with time! :wink:
 
  • #27
Originally posted by ZapperZ
In fact, unless I'm mistaken, the majority of practicising physicists (60%) are in the field of condensed matter/material science.

I don't doubt it given that nearly all industry jobs would require an emphasis in the is field. Even in academia, people are drawn towards fields where they can get jobs.
 
  • #28
BS Engineering Physics, MS Physics both from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

I was working on my PhD in Physics (specifically, theoretical subatomic physics, also at RPI) until my thesis advisor died, and my funding died with him. Now I'm working on finding a new sugar daddy.

edit: typo
 
  • #29
Originally posted by Tom
Now I'm working on finding a new sugar daddy.
Wear a short skirt. And wax your legs.

- Warren
 
  • #30
Originally posted by chroot
Wear a short skirt. And wax your legs.

- Warren

That's really going to hurt...
 

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