Prospects for an experimental AMO PhD

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the career prospects for individuals pursuing a PhD in experimental Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics. Participants highlight that job opportunities primarily include faculty positions at teaching-focused institutions and industry roles that leverage instrumentation and programming skills. The relevance of skills acquired during an experimental AMO program to industry jobs is emphasized, indicating a strong connection between academic training and practical applications in the workforce.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of experimental Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics
  • Familiarity with instrumentation techniques used in AMO research
  • Proficiency in programming skills relevant to experimental setups
  • Knowledge of academic career paths in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research industry roles that require instrumentation expertise in AMO physics
  • Explore programming languages and tools commonly used in experimental physics
  • Investigate academic career opportunities in teaching-focused institutions
  • Learn about transferable skills from AMO research to other scientific fields
USEFUL FOR

Graduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals considering a PhD in experimental AMO physics, as well as those evaluating career options in academia and industry.

tiredriot
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Hi everyone. I've been working as a full time research assistant in an AMO lab for a couple of months and I've found it interesting so far. I'm considering pursuing a PhD in experimental AMO in about a year's time. However, I'm concerned about the non-academia career prospects for AMO PhDs. Is it difficult for someone with an experimental AMO PhD to find a stable job in industry? Are the skills learned in an experimental AMO programme relevant and transferable to industry? I appreciate any advice or information you can give me.
 
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Most of the job offers I got in the first 10 years after completing my PhD in experimental AMO physics were either faculty jobs at teaching focused schools (no research emphasis) or industry jobs where the offer was based mostly on my instrumentation and programming skills.
 

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