Physics Is a PhD in Solid State Physics with bio applications viable for Industry?

[DonorCarcy]

I'm a final year (4th year) applied physics student studying in Ireland, and I've spoken with one of my professors about a possible PhD study. The study he offered me was to do with nanorods and their ability to kill/wave off bacteria, taking inspiration from the Lotus leaf. I've attached what the PhD study is inspired by below

My plan was to get a PhD in semiconductor or simply condensed matter physics, and go for a research job in industry, but in a pure physics/physical chemistry environment.

Will completing a PhD in this topic help me for this goal?

 

[Vanadium 50]

Not as much as a PhD in the field where you want a job.

 

[CrysPhys]

My plan was to get a PhD in semiconductor or simply condensed matter physics, and go for a research job in industry, but in a pure physics/physical chemistry environment.

<<Emphasis added.>>Please clarify what specific companies you would be targetting. At one time, companies such as AT&T and IBM allocated large $$$ to basic research in physics and physical chemistry, either with no expected return on investment (ROI) or a long-term ROI (perhaps 10 yrs down the road). As well as other large corporations to a lesser extent. Now expenditures are more closely scrutinized by those who hold the purse strings for shorter-term ROI.

ETA: Perhaps I misinterpreted what you meant by "a pure physics/physical chemistry environment". Did you mean "pure" in distinction to "applied or engineering"? Or did you mean "pure" in distinction to "interdisciplinary with organic chem or bio"?

 

[bob012345]

Why do you want to get a PhD? Do you have a goal such as making a better solar cell or do you just want a PhD for its own sake?