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

AI Thread Summary
Key skills to learn during a PhD in physics that enhance job prospects include experimental design, precision metrology, and error budgeting. These foundational skills are crucial for both industry and academic positions. Specific techniques such as spectroscopy, FPGA programming, vacuum techniques, and nanofabrication can also be valuable, depending on the job type. For industry roles, having a strong grasp of these techniques allows for effective collaboration with engineers and can lead to innovative applications. In academic settings, the ability to apply research techniques to new problems is advantageous. Overall, the focus should be on acquiring both technical expertise and the ability to engage in meaningful discussions with professionals in related fields.
barnflakes
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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.
 
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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.
 
barnflakes said:
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?
 
Gokul43201 said:
Is it primarily within Cond Mat that you are looking for options?

Yep!
 

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