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

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the viability of pursuing a PhD in Solid State Physics with applications in biology, particularly in relation to industry job prospects. Participants explore the relevance of this specific research focus to potential career paths in physics and physical chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in a PhD focused on nanorods and their antibacterial properties, questioning its relevance for a future career in semiconductor or condensed matter physics.
  • Another participant suggests that a PhD in the specific field of interest may not be as beneficial as one directly aligned with the desired job sector.
  • A further comment prompts clarification on the types of companies the original poster is targeting, noting that funding for basic research has become more scrutinized and may affect job opportunities.
  • Another participant questions the motivation behind pursuing a PhD, asking if it is driven by specific goals or simply the desire to attain the degree.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of the proposed PhD topic to industry job prospects, indicating a lack of consensus on its viability. There are also varying opinions on the motivations for pursuing a PhD.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined what is meant by "pure physics/physical chemistry environment," leading to potential misunderstandings regarding the focus of industry roles.

DonorCarcy
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
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?
 

Attachments

  • IMG-20240912-WA0000.jpeg
    IMG-20240912-WA0000.jpeg
    52.8 KB · Views: 55
Physics news on Phys.org
Not as much as a PhD in the field where you want a job.
 
DonorCarcy said:
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"?
 
Last edited:
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?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
19K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K