Ph.D. Physics Student Seeking Summer Research in Canada

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The discussion centers on a Ph.D. Physics student in the U.S. seeking paid summer research opportunities in Canada, particularly in condensed matter physics, photonics, or biological physics, due to limited research options at their current university. Responses emphasize skepticism about the student's situation, questioning the lack of research opportunities in a Ph.D. program and suggesting that the student may need to clarify their acceptance terms or engage more with faculty about available projects. Some participants recommend focusing on qualifying exams and exploring departmental resources, while others advise considering transferring to a program with better support for research. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of proactive communication with faculty and understanding program expectations.
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I am currently finishing my first year as a Ph.D. Physics student in the U.S.. Research opportunities are limited at my university. Are there any outside opportunities to do paid summer research, maybe in Canada, in fields related to condensed matter physics, photonics, or biological physics? I would be willing to work at a university, government agency, or industry-sponsored research.
 
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earthling75 said:
I am currently finishing my first year as a Ph.D. Physics student in the U.S.. Research opportunities are limited at my university.
You are at the wrong place. Transfer. Now.
 
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earthling75 said:
I am currently finishing my first year as a Ph.D. Physics student in the U.S.. Research opportunities are limited at my university. Are there any outside opportunities to do paid summer research, maybe in Canada, in fields related to condensed matter physics, photonics, or biological physics? I would be willing to work at a university, government agency, or industry-sponsored research.
What were the terms of your acceptance to grad school? In my grad school, students weren't officially accepted into a research program until they had successfully passed their quals. Most students didn't take those until fall semester of the second year. But the department provided funds for all students to conduct research with professors on campus for the first summer.
 
It strikes me as an odd statement that you've been accepted into a PhD program without research opportunities and that you would need to look to other schools for such opportunities.

Sometimes students don't end up with projects/supervisors right away. As CrysPhys suggests above, maybe you are expected to pass your qualifying examination first? If that's the case, shouldn't that be your focus for the summer? If not, are you sure that you're not supposed to be talking with faculty members in your department about projects right now? And if you're having a hard time finding something, schedule a meeting with the associate chair or whatever administrator is in charge of graduate students. Perhaps it's possible that with all the isolation associated with COVID, you've missed some critical information about the process somewhere along the line.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
You are at the wrong place. Transfer. Now.
This is tough advice to follow, but sadly OP, it's the right choice, unless as others have said, maybe you're missing massive info. Double check your acceptance offer. It's really difficult to believe the program is leaving you high and dry for the summer, though occasionally (rarely) I've heard of this happening.
 
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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