Thinking about getting a PhD in Scientific Computing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing a PhD in Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis, particularly regarding job prospects in the industry post-graduation. Participants share their experiences and seek insights into the demand for such qualifications in various applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the job market for PhDs in Scientific Computing and is weighing the decision between industry work and further education.
  • Another participant shares their experience as a PhD student in computational physics, specifically working on MOSFET transistors, indicating a direct application of their research.
  • A participant requests clarification on the specific applications of numerical methods being discussed, suggesting that the relevance of a PhD may depend on the field of application.
  • Interest is shown in projects related to multi-phase flow, with a participant questioning the future job prospects in industry for such a specialization.
  • One participant mentions that many individuals with expertise in partial differential equations (PDE) have found roles in industrial consultancy, particularly in modeling for nuclear reactors, suggesting a potential pathway for PhD graduates.
  • Another participant references their own experience with similar projects during their master's, indicating a connection between academic research and industry applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the demand for PhDs in Scientific Computing, with some sharing positive experiences in related fields while others express uncertainty about specific applications and job prospects.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed data on job market statistics and specific industry demands, leaving the participants' claims about job prospects and applications somewhat speculative.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a PhD in Scientific Computing or related fields, as well as those interested in the intersection of academia and industry in STEM disciplines.

octol
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So I've got an MSc in Engineering physics and I'm now deciding if I should go find a job in the industry, or stay in school to get a PhD, more specifically in Scientific computing and numerical analysis. Getting the PhD is very temping, but the main thing holding me back is that I don't know how easy it is to get a job in the industry afterwards.

So I'm wondering, does anyone know how big (or small) the demand is for PhD's in Scientific computing in the industry?
 
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So no one has any experience about PhD's in scientific computing/numerical analysis?
 
octol said:
So no one has any experience about PhD's in scientific computing/numerical analysis?

Yes, i am doing a PhD in computational physics in http://www.imec.be/ovinter/static_general/start_en_flash.shtml place. I work on the interface between a metal gate and the high k dielectric of a MOSFET transistor.

marlon
 
Last edited by a moderator:
octol said:
So no one has any experience about PhD's in scientific computing/numerical analysis?
Can you be more specific?

ie. numerics with respect to what application?
 
J77 said:
Can you be more specific?

ie. numerics with respect to what application?

Well, for example these projects here:
http://user.it.uu.se/~gkreiss/doktorandannons.htm
I'm most interested in something similar to the one mentioned there about multi-phase flow. Does such a PhD have any future in the industry?
 
octol said:
Well, for example these projects here:
http://user.it.uu.se/~gkreiss/doktorandannons.htm
I'm most interested in something similar to the one mentioned there about multi-phase flow. Does such a PhD have any future in the industry?
Yeah - for example, in the UK, a lot of PDE people I know have gone into (inudstrial) consultancy. This involves stuff like, eg., modelling and working on the longitivity and decommision of nuclear reactors.

Sounds like an open project that one - possible applications are obviously geo-reservoir type stuff - I did something similar for my masters (check out this place: http://www.bpi.cam.ac.uk/)
 

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