r/Physics • u/RoundElephant5876 • 6d ago

employed physicist

Those of you who have completed research physics and are currently working, how is it, what exactly do you do, are you satisfied, do you work inside your country (and if yes, which one) or abroad, online, how difficult was it for you to get your current job?

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u/RoundElephant5876 6d ago

Honestly I am interested in anything, just any physicist that isn't a teacher and is using his diploma for the work field that he is in.

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u/QuantumMechanic23 6d ago edited 6d ago

I have completed an integrated masters in physics (MPhys)

I have also completed a masters degree in medical physics (MSc)

These (my degrees) spanned three research projects. Two in computational physics, one involving optimisation of second harmonic generation in a waveguide and the other simulating quantum photonic circuits.

My research in medical physics involved statistical and experimental analysis of a fundamental mathematical error in a velocimetry technique in MRI.

I work as an MRI medical physicist at a hospital now.

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u/RoundElephant5876 6d ago

Are you satisfied with your job? Are you still able to work in research alongside your current job? Is working as a physicist what you expected it to be? I am a highschool student currently and I have to choose the college I will go to. I am in between medicine and physics so if you could share more how does your current job as a medical physicist look like, do you think it combines both parts? Do you think love and interest towards physics are enough to study it? What would you say do you still love it or has it become a job like any other? I am sorry for so many questions I don't have anyone to ask. Feel free to write whenever you have time. I appreciate it, thank you!

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u/h0rxata Plasma physics 5d ago

If you're considering physics or medicine, a more basic question is whether you'll be happy with the outcome of the career. According to AIP data, only 10-15% of Physics PhD's still work in physics research 10 years after getting their PhD. I don't remember where I read this, but over 90% of medical school graduates are still working in medicine 10 years later. So if actually working in the same field you graduate in is important to you, that is something very important to consider. Most physicists don't end up staying employed in the field, either by choice or due to lack of stable long-term jobs.

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u/RoundElephant5876 5d ago

That is definitely a very good thing to consider. Thank you!