Theoretical Physics Career: Where to Start?

[Miss Rellum]

I am very interested in theoretical physics and would like a careers in it. However, I'm not really sure about where to get a job in it or what kind of job. Can anyone help me figure this out? Thank you so much!.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

For industry, ff you're American then you could apply to the NSA, they are the largest employers of Mathematicians/Theoretical Physicists, I'm not sure if you can work at the NSA if you were born in another country. For pure research you can work as a professor at a small or large university, your chances are dependent on your credentials.

 

[Miss Rellum]

I looked up NSA, but how can you work for NSA through theoretical physics? I looked up the job offerings and there were none.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

Quantum Cryptography is a field that the NSA researches: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_cryptography.

 

[fss]

I'm not sure if you can work at the NSA if you were born in another country.

You cannot. US Citizenship is required for the necessary security clearance to work for the NSA.

I looked up NSA, but how can you work for NSA through theoretical physics? I looked up the job offerings and there were none.

You don't join NSA as a "Theoretical Physicist." If you get your foot in the door, there are opportunities to "tailor" your career towards the physics side... but it's mostly going to have an engineering or cryptography angle to it. You won't be doing much neutrino work at NSA.

 

[hadsed]

You can get US citizenship without being born in the US.. and yes people who aren't born in the US still get security clearances (though it's harder for a few reasons).

 

[fss]

and yes people who aren't born in the US still get security clearances (though it's harder for a few reasons).

Only if you're a citizen. It doesn't matter where you're born if you aren't a citizen.

 

[Tom83B]

Only if you're a citizen. It doesn't matter where you're born if you aren't a citizen.

http://www.nsa.gov/careers/faqs/index.shtml#ahp_2"

5. What about dual citizenship?
Individuals who hold dual citizenship are not precluded from applying for positions at NSA. Dual citizenship may raise questions about foreign preference or loyalty that need to be resolved favorably before a clearance can be granted. These concerns can vary from case to case and will be addressed on an individual basis.