Returning to science

[nammynake]

I have worked in Credit Risk (retail banking) for 7 years since graduating with a PhD in Astrophysics. Over the last couple of years I have grown increasingly frustrated at the politics involved and the lack of opportunities to really stretch myself technically.

I find myself scanning science job sites for interesting vacancies that are local. I don't want to go back to academia, and having such a long break I don't think I would stand a chance anyway, so I'm looking more at the private sector.

Has anyone here returned to science following either a career break or other career? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. I am preparing myself for a significant pay cut should I move, but the thought of staying in banking until I retire brings me out in a cold sweat!

[STW2010]

I work in academia, and know that once your choices are made (industry or academia) the transition the other way is a bit tricky. Even more trickier if your industrial work has been distant from your scientific background, as yours has.

Getting back into academia would be possible, as there are funding routes for people who have had a career break, so that might be an option? At the university where I work we tend to have a more industry focus, so depending on the university you may be able to find a good compromise.

In any case you are likely to be taking a few steps down before you can take steps up again (i.e. starting from a lower ranked position).

[nammynake]

I've read a little about these 'Return to Research' fellowships but I don't want to return to pure academia, i.e. Postdoctoral role. I'm thinking that the private sector would be a better option, but wouldn't have to astrophysics/space related necessarily. I have a degree in physics so there should be a range if options out there - I just need to find out what they are.

I was always more inclined to the practical/experimental side of my degree rather than the pure theory and mathematics, so an experimental or design based role would interest me.

[RealSquirrels]

A short return via a postdoctoral fellowship could open some industrial doors. Alternatively, with your commercial/business experience you might find a good role in the commercialisation arm of a university (I.e. Working with a wide range of scientists to look at how they can commercialise their work)