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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the best experimental techniques to learn during a PhD that would aid in securing a job in physics, particularly focusing on applications in condensed matter physics. Participants explore various techniques and their relevance to future employment in both industry and academia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests learning techniques such as spectroscopy, FPGA programming, vacuum techniques, and nanofabrication, asking for examples and reasons for their importance.
  • Another participant argues that the type of job influences what is most beneficial to learn, emphasizing the importance of experimental design, precision metrology, and error budgeting for industry roles.
  • This second participant also notes that having intelligent discussions with engineers is crucial for job prospects.
  • For academic positions, the ability to apply learned techniques to explore new applications is highlighted as advantageous.
  • There is a follow-up question regarding whether the inquiry is specifically focused on condensed matter physics, which is confirmed by the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the most valuable techniques to learn, indicating that there is no consensus on a definitive list. The discussion remains open with multiple perspectives on the relevance of various skills based on job type.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the implications of their suggestions, and there are no detailed discussions on the specific applications or limitations of the techniques mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in physics, particularly those in or entering condensed matter physics, may find this discussion relevant.

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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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