Industry, Academia, or National Lab Post-Doc

[Modey3]

Hello,

I am wondering if anybody has any advice on which direction is better for somebody who hopes to work as a tenured university professor. I am a PhD candidate in Material Science. My work is 70% experimental (ion implantation, SEM,Auger, and XPS) and 30% computational (ab-initio, and MD modeling). What do universities prefer? Thanks.

Best Regards

Modey3

 

[ZapperZ]

A postdoc is a postdoc. Grab 'em while you can no matter where.

The only difference being that, on average, the postdoc appointment at National Labs tends to have higher pay than universities.

Zz.

 

[piercas]

,

I can understand your dilemma and the importance of choosing the right path for your career aspirations. Each option of industry, academia, or national lab has its own benefits and considerations.

In industry, your work may be more focused on practical applications and commercialization of your research. This can provide financial stability and potential for career advancement, but may also have less freedom for pursuing your own research interests.

In academia, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in your specific field and also teach and mentor students. This can be a fulfilling experience, but the competition for tenured positions can be intense. Universities may value a combination of experimental and computational skills, as it allows for a more comprehensive approach to research.

In a national lab, you may have access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other scientists. However, the focus may be more on government-funded research projects rather than individual research interests.

Ultimately, the best path for you will depend on your personal goals and priorities. It may be helpful to speak with professionals in each field to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work and career opportunities. Whichever path you choose, your combination of experimental and computational skills will be valuable in the field of material science. Best of luck in your decision-making process.