SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the viability of pursuing a tenure track (TT) position in academia for physics PhD graduates from non-elite institutions. Participants assert that the academic job market is highly competitive, with a significant proportion of faculty positions at research universities filled by graduates from elite schools like Caltech and Princeton. They emphasize the importance of considering industry roles as a viable alternative, highlighting the financial advantages of industry positions, which can yield earnings of $1-1.5 million more than academia over the same period. The conversation also touches on the necessity of adaptability and the potential for retraining in more lucrative fields.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of tenure track (TT) positions in academia
- Familiarity with the academic job market dynamics for physics PhDs
- Knowledge of industry roles available to physics graduates
- Awareness of the significance of research experience and teaching qualifications
NEXT STEPS
- Research the academic job market trends for physics PhDs in 2023
- Explore industry roles for physics graduates, focusing on quantitative science positions
- Investigate post-doctoral opportunities and their impact on academic hiring
- Learn about retraining options in high-demand fields such as computational biology or nuclear theory
USEFUL FOR
Graduate students in physics, early-career researchers, and anyone considering a career in academia or industry, particularly those evaluating the feasibility of tenure track positions versus industry roles.