Physics Special Operations Officer transitioning out

[Greatjobdude]

Hey all,

I majored in Physics with a solid GPA as an undergrad and then I joined the Navy as an officer and spent all of my time in Special Operations with significant combat leadership experience. During my time in I also earned a masters in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School where I did research/thesis concentrating in the nuclear realm of physics.

Needless to say, I've been in and out of academia over my career and am unclear of the opportunities for someone with a unique background such as myself.

Does anyone have any experience with someone with my background (both in research/degree and occupation)? Or any advice on the best field to transition in?

Thank you!

 

[phinds]

I'm sure you've already thought of this, but perhaps working for a Defense Contractor on weapons systems? That would combine your knowledge of real-world experience with the science.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Your background - it's an 1140?

 

[Greatjobdude]

Thank you for the suggestion about Weapons. I was aiming for leadership opportunities in research too.

I'm an 1130. Any big difference between opportunities for EOD vs NSW?

 

[Greatjobdude]

I suppose one of the main points I'm trying to understand is: Will such a typical military background and education hinder me in pursing non-military physics research employment?

 

[ModusPwnd]

Im curious what kind of job are you thinking about specifically? Most research is done in a university or national lab by PhDs. Are those the settings you are considering, or something else?

 

[Greatjobdude]

Im curious what kind of job are you thinking about specifically? Most research is done in a university or national lab by PhDs. Are those the settings you are considering, or something else?

If that's the case then looks like going back to school for the PhD is the best bet for me.

 

[ModusPwnd]

That will open many doors for you. Even with a PhD actual research jobs are very competitive, so I suggest a solid backup plan like programming or teaching.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Will such a typical military background and education hinder me in pursing non-military physics research employment?

No. As an example, Tom Carter got his PhD in particle physics from Duke. He's not just former Navy, he's a former SEAL. Granted, that was 25 years ago, but I don't think the environment has changed.

 

[Student100]

If that's the case then looks like going back to school for the PhD is the best bet for me.

PhD will certainly open more doors.

You might also look into SPAWAR if you're around San Diego or Charleston, you could likely find a program management job, or division/departmental scientist job with a masters and your background. Those roles can be hit or miss though, sometimes it's just more advisory or administrative than actual research. It would depend on what code you landed in. Even in the "less technical codes" there is still opportunity, and a good degree of freedom to pursue pitches for funding any idea or research you might have.

 

[The Bill]

Having a nuclear physics and Navy background would help you start a career in power generation as well. I know of power plants, turbine manufacturers, generator manufacturers, and government agencies that background would be helpful and desirable for.

 

[Fervent Freyja]

Thank you for the service.

I think that you will find many opportunities within the defense industry. Those qualifications do give you a variety of options. A great uncle also took a similar path with an engineering degree, then entered the Navy: he recently retired from Boeing and is still able to support his children and even babysits his grandchildren, every day. To correct an above reply: not all research is done within academia, defense contractors do this as well, only just that those positions don't always require a PhD process... A military background should improve, not hinder, your career opportunities! At least it should work that way, I'm not sure if it always does though.

Defense Contractor on weapons systems?

Capitalizing a common noun is unnecessary for this instance unless you are referencing to a specific person. Since you so often get riled up when posters don't know as much as you on a topic and often remind other members they should follow PF rules, I thought you needed a kind reminder to follow the rules too:

Language:
All posts must be in English. Posts in other languages will be deleted. Pay reasonable attention to written English communication standards. This includes the use of proper grammatical structure, punctuation, capitalization, spacing, and spelling. In particular, "I" is capitalized, there's a space after (but not before) a comma, a period, and other punctuation. Multiple exclamation marks are also discouraged. SMS messaging shorthand ("text-message-speak"), such as using "u" for "you", "please" for "please", or "wanna" for "want to" is not acceptable.

 

[Student100]

Capitalizing a common noun is unnecessary for this instance unless you are referencing to a specific person. Since you so often get riled up when posters don't know as much as you on a topic and often remind other members they should follow PF rules, I thought you needed a kind reminder to follow the rules too:

Didn't you complain that I was a bitter old man at one point?

 

[phinds]

Capitalizing a common noun is unnecessary for this instance.

Good point. I think I'm a German at heart

 

[Greatjobdude]

Wow.

Everyone thank you so very much for the advice and help! I'm sure my ignorance is apparent in regards to my possible opportunities, but this forum has helped me so much.

I will continue to reach out to various defense companies in hopes if discovering research opportunities is physics.

 

[ZapperZ]

Do you know of anyone at NRL who might also give you some guidance, especially if you intend to stay in research?

The issue here isn't whether there are projects available. Rather, it is whether they are looking for people. The NIF, for example, has a large military research component alongside the civilian research. So even in the various National Labs such as Los Alamos, Sandia, Livermore, etc., there are significant research work done by and for the military (if that is what you're looking for). And of course, the NRL is the premier US military research facility. It might be something worth exploring, especially in deciding if you do need to go back for your PhD and the field of study you want to go into.

Zz.

 

[clope023]

Do you know of anyone at NRL who might also give you some guidance, especially if you intend to stay in research?

The issue here isn't whether there are projects available. Rather, it is whether they are looking for people. The NIF, for example, has a large military research component alongside the civilian research. So even in the various National Labs such as Los Alamos, Sandia, Livermore, etc., there are significant research work done by and for the military (if that is what you're looking for). And of course, the NRL is the premier US military research facility. It might be something worth exploring, especially in deciding if you do need to go back for your PhD and the field of study you want to go into.

Zz.

On that note, NRL has multiple PhD granting programs for feds who've worked there at least a year; other DoD labs (Naval Surface Warfare Centers and such) have similar programs.

 

[ZapperZ]

On that note, NRL has multiple PhD granting programs for feds who've worked there at least a year; other DoD labs (Naval Surface Warfare Centers and such) have similar programs.

Really? NRL grants PhD's?

I know that there are PhD candidates doing their research work there, just like any other US Nat'l labs, but I didn't know they are also capable of granting degrees.

Zz.

 

[clope023]

Really? NRL grants PhD's?

I know that there are PhD candidates doing their research work there, just like any other US Nat'l labs, but I didn't know they are also capable of granting degrees.

Zz.

Sorry I wasn't clear, it's not that NRL itself will grant PhD's but they'll send their employees to PhD programs with tuition and such paid plus partial salary, provided the training benefits the employee's branch.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

I suppose one of the main points I'm trying to understand is: Will such a typical military background and education hinder me in pursing non-military physics research employment?

In some circles. I've heard reports that otherwise qualified applicants have been regarded as "too militaristic" usually by departments and institutions with liberal, anti-war attitudes.

But that just narrows your field a bit.

 

[Student100]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-halts-hiring-of-federal-workers-freezes-pay-raises/ar-AAm8QWN?li=BBnbcA1

Not going to have much luck getting into the federal workforce at the moment, still, check out USA jobs.

The easiest way to become a fed right now will be working with a contractor, doing a good job, and getting recongized by the federal workers you deliever to so that they can pull you onboard.

If you want a list of companies to check out who do defensework beyond the big names, pm me.

 

[Vanadium 50]

1. Just because the OP's background is in defense doesn't mean this is the only thing he can do post-PhD. We shouldn't assume.
2. A PhD takes on average about six years. A lot can happen in the political environment in six years. Just over six years ago the White House and both Houses of Congress were controlled by a different party than holds them today.

 

[Student100]

1. Just because the OP's background is in defense doesn't mean this is the only thing he can do post-PhD. We shouldn't assume.
2. A PhD takes on average about six years. A lot can happen in the political environment in six years. Just over six years ago the White House and both Houses of Congress were controlled by a different party than holds them today.

I was posting on the assumption he was looking more for something now, and a PhD as a possible avenue in the future. I think I missed the post where he said "A PhD sounds like the best bet then." My mistake.

 

[Dr Transport]

On that note, NRL has multiple PhD granting programs for feds who've worked there at least a year; other DoD labs (Naval Surface Warfare Centers and such) have similar programs.

That program is commonly known as the "Palace Knight Program", and it is for entry highly qualified entry level people coming into the national labs.There is still the route of part time PhD work, they will pay your tuition and some expenses, but unless your manager allows it, you won't do it on the payroll.

 

[clope023]

That program is commonly known as the "Palace Knight Program", and it is for entry highly qualified entry level people coming into the national labs.There is still the route of part time PhD work, they will pay your tuition and some expenses, but unless your manager allows it, you won't do it on the payroll.

Never heard of Palace Knight, NRL and other DoD labs I'm familiar with send federal employees to do PhD's on partial salary as part of an overall training/professional advancement program; you're required to work at the site proportionally to the amount of years you were in the grad program.

 

[Dr Transport]

Not the official name, but commonly known as that. With the hiring freeze, I am not sure they are open to applications right now.

 

[Student100]

SMART is offical name I believe: https://smart.asee.org/ atleast that's what we called it. :p

 

[Greatjobdude]

Do you know of anyone at NRL who might also give you some guidance, especially if you intend to stay in research?

The issue here isn't whether there are projects available. Rather, it is whether they are looking for people. The NIF, for example, has a large military research component alongside the civilian research. So even in the various National Labs such as Los Alamos, Sandia, Livermore, etc., there are significant research work done by and for the military (if that is what you're looking for). And of course, the NRL is the premier US military research facility. It might be something worth exploring, especially in deciding if you do need to go back for your PhD and the field of study you want to go into.

Zz.

I do. Assuming they are still there; I did some research there as an undergraduate. I was honestly looking at getting away from military research/employment since that's been my whole life. But now I'm beginning to realize it might be my best foot in the door. Thank you!

 

[Greatjobdude]

In some circles. I've heard reports that otherwise qualified applicants have been regarded as "too militaristic" usually by departments and institutions with liberal, anti-war attitudes.

But that just narrows your field a bit.

One of my biggest concerns with my combat experience and current occupation being all I've professionally done...

 

[Greatjobdude]

SMART is offical name I believe: https://smart.asee.org/ atleast that's what we called it. :p

Thank you!

 

[nbo10]

Lots of organizations would like a person with your background, DOE/NNSA, DTRA, DARPA to name a few. Are you on good terms with your NPS advisor? They would be a good first point of contact. He/She should have sponsor funding which would be your foot in the door.

 

[Dr Transport]

Lots of organizations would like a person with your background, DOE/NNSA, DTRA, DARPA to name a few. Are you on good terms with your NPS advisor? They would be a good first point of contact. He/She should have sponsor funding which would be your foot in the door.

Hiring freeze affects all of those, the govt isn't hiring until at least April at the earliest (so says the HR person I am dealing with at a govt agency).

 

[nbo10]

Ehh... The hiring freeze isn't going to last forever. Organizations that have mission critical needs will find a way to work the system.

 

[Dr Transport]

Ehh... The hiring freeze isn't going to last forever. Organizations that have mission critical needs will find a way to work the system.

I didn't say it was permanent, I just said no applications were being processed until at least April 24th according to my source. My offer letter was stopped and is in limbo because of the freeze and it only needed one more signature before being sent to me.