this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2023
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Science

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I've been curious how many working researchers we've got in this community, and what you all do!

If you're working in science (physical or social), engineering, etc in a research capacity, give a shout in the comments and let us know what you work on! Same goes for students and amateur scientists at any level. (And by amateur I mean those of you who are working on your own experiments but just not being paid for it / not working on a degree; I'm upset that "amateur" has a negative connotation, it shouldn't.)

I'm currently a PhD candidate, working on transmission electron microscopy and electronic materials (mainly ferroelectrics). In the past I've been involved in research / product development in a few different industries, including medical devices, aerogels, and materials for RF devices.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I'm a PhD candidate too - my contract is finished now, but I am still writing my thesis. So I am currently at the awkward intersection of finishing a thesis and looking for a job.

My PhD focus is in applying time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to study the excited state dynamics of molecules. Basically, these are experiments in which a pulsed laser is used to excite the sample and a second probe light is used to measure a change in the absorption in response to the light. By measuring these changes in the absorption as a function of time, and applying quantum chemical methods to calculate the spectra of potential intermediates, one can sort of recreate a movie of what the molecule is doing after it absorbs light with a time resolution of femto to picoseconds. The materials that I study are organic dyes that are useful for microscopy, as well as molecules that respond to EUV light for applications in photonanolithography (for making the very small transistors in computer chips).

I am also an "amateur" scientist when it comes to biology, as many of my hobbies are nature-based and it's not like I can turn off the science bug when it comes to hobbies.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Well that's fascinating! The technique sounds a little bit like a cross between Raman and EXAFS/XANES? (Probably just because those are two techniques I happen to be familiar with though.)

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm a research professor of neurology, and my research focuses on developing novel cognitive assessments for measuring early-stage Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That's a field where it seems (to an outsider) like a lot has been happening recently! Glad to have you here!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

You'd be correct! The new anti-amyloid drugs are very exciting, and it makes my work on preclinical Alzheimer's even more fulfilling as it can have a real impact on getting people tested and treated as early as possible.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It's science-y enough but I'm definitely not considered a scientist so much as a technologist. I work as a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Technologist. Previously a X-Ray Technologist.

My machine does all the science for me but it's a pretty neat concept. Using magnetic gradients and RF pulses at hydrogen protons to acquire accurate digital imaging.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (3 children)

Happy to have you! The science behind MRI is fascinating, and the machines themselves are really cool. Have you ever seen a magnet quench? I don't think they're really supposed to happen during normal operation, but some of the videos I've seen have been rather dramatic.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm an associate professor in computer science, currently working on stochastic algorithms (like genetic algorithms).

Until now, I've been working on quite abstract optimization problems, but I'd like to switch to more useful applications, like social inequalities or climate change.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I get that. Working on a more abstract problem should, in theory, help solve more practical problems down the line, but sometimes it just feels less satisfying that working on something where you can see the real world application and (hopefully) results. I'm definitely looking to do something practical with my experience once I'm finished with my PhD.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I work at a company that makes large and small rocket engines (e.g., the ones on SLS/Artemis, and solids for a number of defense programs), and various electrical power systems (e.g., for the ISS and some of the Mars rovers). I manage the space software engineering organization.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Look at this rocket surgeon, over here. SMDH.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm a software developer who works on Backend/APIs/Cloud/AI. Currently browsing Lemmy instead of actually doing work in my home office...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Currently browsing Lemmy instead of actually doing work in my home office…

Some days just turn out that way lol

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

I work in mine closure. I create plans to re-integrate them back into the surrounding landscape, and provide valuable end land uses (not just those centred around ecosystem re-establishment).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I'm a professor of chemistry, I mainly do organometallic research but we've been branching out into other areas.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Graduate student in ecology, just finishing up.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I'm a PhD candidate in inorganic and biochemistry! Loving the chem representation here, and loving OP's username.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I studied Biology and Computer Science, have a PhD in Neuroscience and now work in an Engineering department for medical devices, where I am still in contact with Academia through students working for us in different capacities. My main occupation is Software Tester, though. :)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

PhD in Geology. Now am a research scientist working in more general materials science/chemistry/gas adsorption. My thesis was on lunar petrology where I studied Apollo 16 samples. My current research is much less exciting. Haven't touched a rock in ages and my geologist heart hurts from it haha

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I work a day job in IT, have a side business doing IT, work an occasional shift at my buddy's liquor store, and sell furniture on the side.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Development engineer working with autonomous vehicles. Worst part of it is having to interact with Tesla bros who think that they have self-driving figured out despite what experts in the field tell them.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I'm a postdoc, working on laser-plasma/ interactions and electron accelerators. My PhD work was on ultrafast electron diffraction.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

PhD candidate, archaeologist in a physical geography department. I read dirt to reconstruct ecosystems over time.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm a Data Scientist (physics PhD) for a large enterprise company. I've been in this field for the last decade and I'm kinda bored with it. I'm not exactly sure what to do next though....

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Mmm yeah, I can imagine things might get a bit stale after a decade working on similar things. What was your physics PhD in, something you'd be interested in pursuing again maybe?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

My thesis covered optoelectronic measurements of nanomaterials for novel photovoltaics. Even as a kid, I wanted some sort of career researching alternative energy, but those jobs sadly don't exist.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Researching alternative sources of energy would certainly be a rewarding career. I'm a bit surprised to hear nobody's doing it, I'd think there'd be companies trying to commercialize on the pretty massive progress we've seen in PV efficiency at the lab scale. I remember in my undergrad people were really excited about roll-to-roll manufacturing for flexible organic perovskite solar cells, but come to think of it I haven't heard much about them in the last five years. I wonder what happened. Maybe just still to expensive to compete commercially with silicon PV?

Regardless, I hope you find a direction that's fulfilling for you!

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I’m working on my Astrophysics PhD. I study “galactic cannibalism” aka how galaxies grow and change by eating smaller galaxies. My big focus is on teaching and outreach though rather than research.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Cool! Is this the kind of thing that's going to happen between Andromeda and the Milky-way, or is that fundamentally different because they're more similar in size?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I'm a Mechanical Engineer who designs automation equipment. Basically lots of 3-6 axis robots, multi-axis gantries, various conveyance mechanisms, and other specialized automation equipment integration. Its fun because it is a job all about things moving from point A to point B.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm a PhD in chemical engineering and work in a testing laboratory for electrical engineering insulating materials. My dissertation was using predictive modelling (some data mining and machine learning, some more classical statistical methods) to estimate material properties from spectral data. I'm trying to combine a full-day engineering job with writing more journal articles in my spare time. Currently not going well but at least I'm not lacking for data!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Haha that sounds like it must be keeping you real busy! I'm currently spending most of my days writing and it takes up so much time on its own I can't imagine trying to combine that with a full time job. More power to you!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I am a welding Engineer working in a mixed role of failure analysis and research. Most of my projects are sustainability based.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I was managing a dev team building software for Wifi devices for the Artemis program... Then NASA decided they needed to cut $8,000,000 and descoped that part of the project. Now I'm... Looking for the next thing to do.

I understand they're planning to slap some COTS shit in in place of what we were building. I wish the astronauts well when that shit gets hit by some high energy particles. I'm not salty.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I've got a PhD in nonlinear vibrations. I've left academia for the space industry though.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (3 children)

I’m a staff bioinformatics scientist at an academic institution, got my PhD a few years ago and wasn’t interested in a postdoc. I get to work on a huge range of research questions and lots of different technologies. It’s great!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Oh that's rad! What's it like being a staff scientist at an academic institution? I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do after I graduate – I know I'm not interested in pursuing the tenure track, but I haven't decided if I should go back into industry / look into staff science positions national labs / etc.

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