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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[–] Sal@mander.xyz 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 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.

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[–] saltysel@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 year ago (4 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.

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[–] IrritableOcelot@beehaw.org 4 points 1 year ago

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

[–] Pelicanen@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year 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.

Best part of it is being able to code functionality then sit down inside an actual physical vehicle and see, hear, and feel it act out what you programmed. Incredibly satisfying.

[–] CadeJohnson@toot.cat 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

@realChem I retired from being a chemical engineer in the environmental remediation of hazardous wastes and petroleum. Went sailboat cruising, and stopped along the way to teach high school chemistry four years. Now I volunteer with OpenAir Collective working on CO2 removal (from atmosphere, not point sources - later is called "capture" instead of "removal" for some reason). Without chemicals, nothing would exist!

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

I actually did chemical engineering as my undergrad degree! I didn't work directly on any remediation projects, but one of the first jobs I had involved making sure all the waste our plant produced was properly treated. It was a slurry, I was helping to separate all of the solids and then neutralize the remaining liquid, and then it went on to Clean Harbors for final treatment.

Your whole post-career honestly sounds ideal, I hope to do something similar. I've always wanted to teach, but after I retire and don't need the money.

[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (2 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.

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[–] TheAlrightGatsby@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year 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

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Dang we gotta get you some cool rocks!

(I've always kinda wanted to thinly section some rocks with nice big grains and put them in the TEM; so many natural minerals have really interesting crystal structures!)

[–] appel@whiskers.bim.boats 3 points 1 year ago (5 children)

working in a cultivated meat startup, msc in biotechnology, but now disillusioned and wanting to do something academic/more down to earth and helpful

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

If it's not too personal, may I ask what lead to your disillusionment with the field? "Lab grown" meat (assuming that's what you mean by cultivated) has seemed like a promising idea to me for a while, in terms of environmental impact and the ethical consideration of animals.

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[–] Maddypip@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year 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.

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[–] Dr_Cog@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year 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.

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year 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!

[–] Dr_Cog@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year 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.

[–] hiwigiwi@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

trained physicist with 2D materials background, turned all-round engineer with an ultrafast spectroscopy startup.

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[–] Phlogistol@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year 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!

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

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!

[–] Track_Shovel 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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).

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[–] Ater@fedia.io 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Graduate student in ecology, just finishing up.

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Congrats on (being close to) making it through!

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[–] oofinsprouts@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago (4 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....

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[–] Hellstormy@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year 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...

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[–] perkele@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 year 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.

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Glad to have you 'round!

[–] Kajo@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] TechnicolorRex@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year 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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[–] thebardingreen@lemmy.starlightkel.xyz 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year 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.

[–] Illidariadude@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year 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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[–] sensibilidades@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] realChem@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Very cool! My only experience with organometallics is with CVD and related technologies (like we've got one machine we use called a FIB – focused ion beam – that uses an organometallic as a carrier for platinum deposited as part of the process). Mainly I think of them as "probably toxic, probably pyrophoric, treat with extreme caution" sorts of chemicals.

[–] styx@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

I have a MSc and PhD in earthquake engineering and I am working as a senior full stack software developer. Life is weird sometimes.

[–] Knickknack@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago (6 children)

I studied environmental science as a major and am working in hazardous waste site remediation, water and wastewater treatment, and dabble in assisting some civil engineering projects.

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[–] thedarkfly@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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

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