Advice on getting back into a science career

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around transitioning back into a science career, specifically for someone with a PhD in condensed matter physics who has experience in software engineering but wishes to pursue postdoctoral opportunities or industry positions. The conversation includes advice on job searching, networking, and potential career paths in both academia and industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests applying for postdoc positions and inquires about the process of finding grants and seeking help from their former professor.
  • Another participant proposes looking for industry jobs that utilize condensed matter knowledge, mentioning specific resources like the APS website and UARCs.
  • There is a reiteration of the suggestion to explore job opportunities in the oil industry, with a reference to a personal connection who successfully transitioned into that field.
  • Networking with professors and industry contacts is emphasized as a beneficial strategy for finding job opportunities.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of moving from academia to industry, highlighting the satisfaction found in R&D roles and the potential for funding and collaboration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of networking and exploring both academic and industry options. However, there are differing views on the viability of returning to academia versus pursuing industry roles, with no consensus on which path is preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on specific geographic locations, such as Germany, which may limit the applicability of certain advice. Additionally, the discussion reflects varying personal experiences and outcomes in transitioning careers.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with advanced degrees in physics or related fields considering a career change, particularly those weighing options between academia and industry roles.

Gigaz
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Hi all

I finished my PhD in condensed matter physics two years ago. At the end of my PhD I was committed on taking an industry job, and that's what I did. I had two jobs in software engineering, and they both sucked quite a bit. Turns out, I was happier in a science career after all. I would like to find a postdoc position, if I can. Where do I start? Do I apply for grants? Where do I find those? Should I ask my old professor for help, and what help specifically?
 
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What about an industry job using your Condensed Matter knowledge? You might find positions on the APS website.

https://careers.aps.org/jobs/?keywords=condensed&sort=

https://www.aps.org/units/dcmp/

There's also the UARCS affiliated with several universities. They will have job postings online as well.

The University of Texas at Austin has the Applied Research Lab (UARC) with several Ph.D. postings. Also, I believe the oil industry utilizes Condensed Matter folks too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Affiliated_Research_Center
 
jedishrfu said:
What about an industry job using your Condensed Matter knowledge? You might find positions on the APS website.

https://careers.aps.org/jobs/?keywords=condensed&sort=

https://www.aps.org/units/dcmp/

There's also the UARCS affiliated with several universities. They will have job postings online as well.

The University of Texas at Austin has the Applied Research Lab (UARC) with several Ph.D. postings. Also, I believe the oil industry utilizes Condensed Matter folks too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Affiliated_Research_Center

Thank you for your advice. I don't think I can use it. I'm German.
 
Yes, ask your professor.
You could also take a look at what large institutes or companies with research groups have to offer. For instance the Fraunhofer institute, or Bosch Corporate Research.
 
Absolutely look for physics jobs. The academic route is not the only one. My second career after academia parlayed a PhD (mostly surface morphology and scattering), some innate systems talent, and an assortment of analog optronics experience into R&D work mostly developing medical devices. Very satisfying, usually plenty of funds, and a great cohort of folks. I can't decide whether a small or a large company is more fun. You have talents unknown.
In fact I did a fair amount of work with Boehringer Mannheim (now part of Roche). Everybody should have a physicist
 
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