CM Physics M.Sc. in Canada: Next step?

[c43apb]

My job search is going poorly and I am considering returning to school to do a Ph.D.. I have an M.Sc. in condensed matter (CM) physics and a B.Sc. with a focus on soft matter physics. I am hoping to enter industry in an R&D setting, but as I live in Canada my opportunities to do R&D in CM are limited. I've been told that having an M.Sc. makes you over qualified for B.Sc. positions and under qualified for Ph.D. positions.

Do I need a Ph.D. to have a shot at research positions?

Will I find myself in the similar position when I graduate?

Given the limited research opportunities in Canada is it worth doing a Ph.D in physics and pursuing research positions, or should I start a graduate program in either engineering, computer science, geophysics, or petrophysics (all of which I find interesting and more employable)?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[StatGuy2000]

In general, if you want a shot at working in a research setting in physics (condensed matter specifically for you), then yes, a PhD is a minimum requirement.

That being said, my question to you is whether you are dead-set on staying in Canada or are willing to move to find a position -- and not just to the US (a common place for Canadian graduates to migrate to) but anywhere in the world, including places like China, India, Singapore, Japan, UK, Australia, continental Europe, Brazil, etc. If you are willing to relocate as I described above, then there should be more opportunities open for you in physics research in general (CM in particular), although as others have pointed out, opportunities for physics research (whether academic or industrial) are limited everywhere. I can attest that research opportunities in basic science in general are very limited in Canada.

If your thoughts are on staying in Canada, I would recommend considering pursuing a Masters in the other fields you had mentioned, which are indeed more employable (I'm not sure how employable geophysics is outside of the oil & gas industries in Alberta or in places like the Northwest Territories, Yukon or Nunavut).

 

[Lavabug]

I've been told that having an M.Sc. makes you over qualified for B.Sc. positions and under qualified for Ph.D. positions.

I don't know how it is in Canada, but a quick job search in the US will reveal industrial physics and government research jobs expect a masters in physics or cognate fields like optics or materials science, unless you can make up for that with many years of technical experience in that specific field.

A phd will open some doors and close others. A masters in a different field will open different doors and close others. Eventually you must specialize in something.

 

[c43apb]

Thanks for the responses.
StatGuy2000: I am looking at working in Newfoundland in particular where there is a lot of oil and gas activity, so I think that geophysics should be a good direction.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand your frustration and concerns about your job search and career prospects in the field of condensed matter physics in Canada. It is true that the job market for research positions in this area may be limited, and having only an M.Sc. may make it challenging to find suitable positions in both industry and academia. However, I believe there are still opportunities for you to pursue a successful career in CM physics with your current qualifications.

Firstly, I would recommend networking and reaching out to professionals in the field to gain a better understanding of the job market and potential opportunities. This can also help you to identify any skills or knowledge gaps that you may need to address in order to make yourself a more competitive candidate.

In terms of pursuing a Ph.D., it is not necessary to have one in order to have a shot at research positions. Many companies and organizations value experience and practical skills just as much as academic qualifications. Therefore, I would suggest gaining as much hands-on experience through internships or research projects during your M.Sc. program to make yourself a more well-rounded candidate for research positions.

That being said, a Ph.D. can certainly open up more opportunities for research positions, especially in academia or specialized industries. However, it is important to carefully consider your interests and career goals before committing to a Ph.D. program. If you are more interested in other fields such as engineering, computer science, geophysics, or petrophysics, it may be worth exploring those options instead of pursuing a Ph.D. in CM physics solely for the sake of job opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a Ph.D. or another graduate program should be based on your personal interests and career goals. It is important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the potential opportunities and challenges in each field before making a decision.

In conclusion, while having a Ph.D. may increase your chances of securing research positions in CM physics, it is not the only path to a successful career. I would encourage you to continue exploring your options, networking, and gaining practical experience to make yourself a competitive candidate in the job market. Best of luck in your career pursuits!