Is it Possible to Shift from Being a Computational Materials Scientist to an Experimentalist During Post-Doc?

Many PhD graduates find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating whether a career transition from computational materials science to experimental materials science during their post-doctoral (Post-Doc) stage is worth pursuing.

The Pros and Cons of the Transition

Why Would You Want to Make This Transition?

Motivation to transition from computational to experimental materials science is often driven by the allure of hands-on experience and the opportunity to validate theoretical models in the lab. Some researchers might find that their computational work feels a bit sterile, lacking the tactile and tangible aspects observed in experimental settings. Moreover, the transition can be appealing for those who are eager to explore research areas that inherently demand experimental validation.

Why Should You? The Pros of Shifting Your Focus

With the right approach, transitioning can be highly beneficial. Here are a few key advantages:

Gained Practical Insights: Hands-on experience in experimental setups can provide invaluable insights into the practical nuances and limitations of computational models. Enhanced Research Portfolio: Adding experimental skills to your resume can make you a more versatile candidate, potentially opening up new career opportunities. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: In many academic institutions, you might be able to collaborate with existing labs to integrate both computational and experimental methodologies. Broader Career Prospects: The ability to straddle both computational and experimental realms can open doors to a variety of roles, including industry positions that value a well-rounded background.

Strategies for Making the Transition

Focus on Experimental Post-Docs

If your ultimate goal is to transition to an experimental role, it makes sense to focus on applying for post-doc positions that are purely experimental. To increase your chances, carefully examine job postings for positions that align with your interests and ensure that you have, or are actively working to obtain, most, if not all, of the required skills.

Enhance Your Skills

Consider taking relevant courses or workshops that can enhance your experimental skills. Additionally, seek out internships or mentorships in experimental labs to gain practical experience. Networking with experienced experimentalists can also provide valuable insights and potential opportunities.

Realities of the Transition

It's important to acknowledge that making a successful transition may not be a straightforward or easy process. As someone with extensive research and development (RD) experience in the industry, I can say that the transition might require substantial effort and time investment.

Industry Perspective: The Value of Computational Experience

In industrial laboratories, you may not spend much time in the lab. Instead, you often interface with someone who conducts experimental work. This means that while hands-on experience is valuable, it might not be as critical in some settings as in academia. For this reason, continuing to build on your computational expertise can be highly beneficial.

Within academic circles, the dynamics are similar. As your career advances, you may find that you spend less time in the lab. Your value is more likely tied to the depth and breadth of your theoretical knowledge and its practical applications.

Conclusion

Making the transition from computational materials science to experimental materials science is indeed possible, but it requires careful planning and a willingness to invest time and effort. By focusing on experimental post-doc positions, enhancing your skills, and understanding the realities of both fields, you can increase your chances of a successful career change.

Whether you choose to stay in academia or venture into industrial research, the ability to integrate both computational and experimental methodologies can be a significant asset in your professional journey.