Programs Condensed Matter PhD Program Choice - Advice Needed

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Choosing between a PhD at the Max Planck Graduate Centre and Oxford involves weighing personal interests and potential career paths in experimental condensed matter physics. The Max Planck Centre offers an opportunity to explore Weyl semi-metals in Germany, which could be exciting but may include more chemistry than desired. Conversely, the Oxford program focuses on superconductivity, a long-standing interest, but concerns about the academic atmosphere exist. Engaging with potential supervisors and current students through virtual meetings can provide valuable insights into each program. Ultimately, the decision should align with personal interests and long-term career goals, as both paths offer unique opportunities in physics.
Feyel
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Hi,

I don't want to be too specific here, but specific enough for relevant advice.

I'm finishing a Masters in Physics and am lucky to have been made offers by 2 excellent institutes: a Max Planck Graduate Centre (MP), and at Oxford UK. Both are in experimental condensed matter; Weyl semi-metals at MP, superconductors at Oxford.

MP would be exciting as I have never lived in Germany - I worry that I would regret not taking the opportunity to go, and I like topology so Weyl semi-metals would be interesting, and they seem to be a growing field. On the other hand, I am concerned that there might be more chemistry than I would like, as it is a chemistry/physics institute. The project at Oxford also is really interesting - superconductivity has always interested me, but I figure I shouldn't limit myself to considering only SC when there are so many interesting topics in condensed matter. And also, from what I have heard even at postgrad the atmosphere in Oxford might not be great.

I am really struggling to decide between the two, as both are amazing opportunities and I would enjoy the Physics in both. Any advice would be much appreciated! :)
 
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Have you talked to people from each institute yet?

In an ideal world, I'd recommend visiting each one, but given the current state of the world, I realize that's not really feasible. You might contact each department to see if they at least have some kind of virtual tour for prospective students. See if it's possible to schedule a virtual meeting with potential supervisors and maybe some current graduate students to get a feel for each place.
 
It’s less about the place and more about your Ph.D. advisor/group. Also, given that you already have a masters, you should consider the program requirement differences between the two.

Also ask yourself why you consider one of the topics limiting and the other not. A successful degree is usually a deep dive. Younger scientists tend to get hung up over academic boundaries. In reality, you want an interesting physics problem and physics problems do not see these boundaries

At the end of the day, the question is about you. What works for someone else might not work for you.

Also be aware that there might not be a correct path, only different paths.
 
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I've recommended the students I mentor to have virtual meetings with as many potential research advisers as possible and attend the virtual lab tours and stuff of that sort. Once all the homework is done and the choice is to be made, my advice is to follow your heart. Where is the spark? I mean the biggest spark.
 
OP: What country are you from? Do you have any plans as to which country you would settle in after you have completed your academic training? Or is that totally open?
 
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.

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