Career decision: 100% one field, or 50-50 two fields?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the decision-making process of a PhD student in theoretical physics, specifically focusing on gravity and black holes, who is also engaged in applied research in cold atom physics. The student is contemplating whether to concentrate solely on theoretical physics or to pursue a dual focus on both theoretical and applied fields post-PhD. Key considerations include the limited funding and job opportunities in theoretical physics versus the potentially broader job market in applied research. There is concern about the risk of diluting expertise in both areas, which could hinder job applications for specialized theoretical positions. The possibility of securing a postdoctoral position that accommodates both research interests is questioned, with some examples noted of researchers successfully bridging different fields. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities of academic career planning in physics, weighing the pros and cons of specialization versus diversification.
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I am currently doing a PhD in theoretical physics (let's for simplicity say gravity and black holes). However, I have also in my free time been working a bit in a more applied field (let's say cold atom physics), and have been reasonably successful (in the sense that I have some publications, and a couple of ideas of projects that I could do if I had more time, and I have good connections with collaborators in this field).

I am now facing (or I will be facing) and important decision: After my PhD, if I want to continue in academia, should I continue and focus all my attention on theoretical physics, or should I try to get serious with my other research line and do 50-50? I can see advantages and disadvantages with both:

In theoretical physics, the funding is very limited, and thus it is very hard to land jobs (especially faculty positions). Thus also doing research in a more applied field might give more job opportunities since there should be more money. However, I understand that I risk crippling myself in both fields, so that I will not be able to apply for job openings that are for instance purely directed at theoretical physics (for instance job openings with professors that have a personal grant for a specific subject). But for faculty positions, maybe it would be an advantage to have a more broad research interest?

What are your opinions on this?
 
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How do you think you will get a 50-50 postdoc?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
How do you think you will get a 50-50 postdoc?
Yea...so that is sort of part of the problem. I guess it is not very likely that there are these positions after all, but that is also part of my question if it is possible at all.

Edit: But I do know that there are people that have for example successfully conducted research in both string theory and condensed matter physics (at post doc level), so it is not impossible (and I am not talking about AdS/CMT here)
 
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