Career Options and Employability (Postgraduate)

Physics postgraduate researchers often choose to move on to become a postdoctoral researcher employed by a university to continue building their research reputation and publications record and gain experience of lecturing. Other will go into industry to work in research and development directly related to their PhD research. However their problem solving, analytical and communication skills and numeracy are in demand for roles such as Quantitative Analyst e.g. in Finance or Power industry, Patent Attorney, Science Writer, Management Consultant, Technical Sales, Purchasing, Civil Service (technical policy and operation work), Actuarial Consultant, Meteorology, New & Renewable Energy, Logistics & Transport Planning etc.

A significant number of research postgraduates enter careers in scientific research in both universities and the private sector . Job roles include postdoctoral research scientist, research associate, research scientist  and computer programmer. Example employers include universities of Durham, Bonn, Swinburn , Wuppertal and Paratech Ltd