The discussion centers on the comparison between CERN and Fermilab as facilities for theoretical physicists, focusing on various criteria such as job stability, access to new research, freedom of work, colleague quality, technology, and pay.
Participants generally agree that the decision between CERN and Fermilab is complex and influenced by many factors, but there is no consensus on which facility is definitively better.
The discussion highlights the uncertainty surrounding job security and the competitive nature of securing positions in theoretical physics, particularly at major research facilities.
Should I really have two?Vanadium 50 said:This is like deciding whether you want to pitch for the Red Sox or the Yankees while still it little league.
Finish high school, then college, then graduate school, then one or two postdocs, and then we will talk.
It is very hard to get a permanent position after one postdoc, especially in theoretical physics, especially at CERN and Fermilab.McWonald said:Should I really have two?
mfb said:It is very hard to get a permanent position after one postdoc, especially in theoretical physics, especially at CERN and Fermilab.
Anyway, that decision will depend on so many factors, most of them are out of your influence. Don't worry about that now. Also, there is much more than just CERN and Fermilab.