Theoretical Physics Career: Where to Start?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around career opportunities in theoretical physics, particularly in relation to positions in industry and academia. Participants explore various pathways, including employment at the NSA and academic roles, while addressing the requirements and challenges associated with these options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing a career in theoretical physics but is uncertain about job opportunities.
  • Another suggests that the NSA is a significant employer of mathematicians and theoretical physicists, particularly for those in the U.S.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability of job offerings at the NSA specifically related to theoretical physics.
  • Quantum cryptography is mentioned as a relevant field of research at the NSA.
  • There is a discussion about citizenship requirements for working at the NSA, with some participants asserting that U.S. citizenship is necessary for security clearance.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the possibility of obtaining U.S. citizenship and security clearance for individuals not born in the U.S.
  • Participants note that while one can work at the NSA, the roles may not directly involve theoretical physics but may focus more on engineering or cryptography.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of working at the NSA for non-U.S. citizens and the nature of roles available for theoretical physicists within the agency. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific pathways and job roles available in theoretical physics.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of job roles at the NSA and the specific qualifications needed for theoretical physicists. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the implications of dual citizenship on security clearance processes.

Miss Rellum
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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!.
 
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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.
 
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 said:
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.

Miss Rellum said:
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.
 
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).
 
hadsed said:
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.
 
fss said:
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.
 
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