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Career Paths in Research

Research and Teaching, Research and Development, Astronomy and Cosmology, Criminology and Criminalistics, Aerospace Research, Meteorology and Geodesy, Medical and Neuroscientific Research, Climate and Environmental Research

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Possible Tasks

  - You work on your doctoral degree.
  - You educate students on specialist knowledge, practical skills, and scientific methods.
  - You conceptualize and conduct seminars, evaluate student assignments, and develop exercise materials.
  - You attend scientific conferences and are actively involved in research groups both at your university and between universities.
  - You write project proposals to raise external funding for your research.
  - You conceptualize and plan research projects and then analyze and document the results.
  - You work as a scientist at federal institutions.

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Industries and Occupations

  - Higher education
  - Research organizations
  - Federal institutions

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Job Boards and Professional Associations  

  • Pro-Physik
  • Hochschul-Job
  • Physikjob.de
  • Science Jobs
  • duz Wissenschaftskarriere
  • Helmholtz Gemeinschaft
  • Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
  • Max Planck Gesellschaft
  • Physikalische Technische Bundesanstalt
  • Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung

  
  
  

What a subject: from the smallest to the largest, from the nearest to the farthest, from the most simple to the most complex, from the most understandable to the most incomprehensible – it’s all included! It’s clear that with a degree like this, research opportunities are around every corner. Becoming a researcher in physics is certainly not a bad idea either. The limits of knowledge are far from being reached: research continues, research funding is flowing, and jobs abound. However, anyone who wants to pursue this path of “research and teaching” should be in contact with their academic advisors and lecturers early on – and stay in touch.

Interestingly, physicists are welcome as “co-researchers” in all natural and life science disciplines. Physicists also successfully earn doctorates in subjects outside of their discipline: the master’s degree in physics to doctorate in medicine path is not uncommon, usually by means of “applied research.” The term “research and development” is used in technological and industrial contexts in regards to employing certain physical interactions to improve old production methods or to create new methods. Career entry is possible here with a master’s degree, and an opportunity to pursue a doctorate may be arranged for you in due time. Pursuing a career as a researcher without a master’s degree is difficult. However, working within research, investigative, or educational fields is not uncommon for physics graduates with only a bachelor’s degree. In this case, jobseekers may have to take the initiative to approach potential employers with a proposed position rather than simply applying to a standard job posting.