My perspectives on a Postdoctoral Fellowship in theoretical physics Sean Barrett Department of Physics, Imperial College, London

Career to date

Ph.D. in Cambridge,

Career to date Ph.D. in Cambridge, EU funded postdoc, HP labs, Bristol,

Career to date Ph.D. in Cambridge, EU funded postdoc, HP labs, Bristol, Postdoc, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Oct 2005 – March 2006

Career to date Ph.D. in Cambridge, EU funded postdoc, HP labs, Bristol, Postdoc, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Oct 2005 – March 2006 EPSRC Postdoctoral fellow, Imperial, April 2006-

What I do Quantum computing, mostly

What I do Quantum computing, mostly Condensed matter physics Atomic, molecular, optical physics Information theory Computer science

What I do Quantum computing, mostly Condensed matter physics Atomic, molecular, optical physics Information theory Computer science Figuring out how to build one (~ 80%) Condensed matter or atom/optical implementations New Scientist, March 2006

What I do Quantum computing, mostly Condensed matter physics Atomic, molecular, optical physics Information theory Computer science Figuring out how to build one (~ 80%) Figuring out how the world works (~20%) Condensed matter or atom/optical implementations Explaining anomalous experiments Fundamental limits on technology New Scientist, March 2006

Previous experiences EU funded basic research at an Industrial lab

Previous experiences EU funded basic research at an Industrial lab Pros: Lots of opportunity to travel, build collaborations. Wrote/coauthored a lot of papers (~15 in 2 years). A couple of these may turn out to be important. ££££! (4-5k more than now).

Previous experiences EU funded basic research at an Industrial lab Pros: Lots of opportunity to travel, build collaborations. Wrote/coauthored a lot of papers (~15 in 2 years). A couple of these may turn out to be important. ££££! (4-5k more than now). Cons: Little in-house basic research outside of QC. Isolation. Too many papers / collaborations. Stressful. Certain amount of administrivia (Annual reports, project meetings) Intellectual freedom somewhat curtailed

Two ways of doing research

1.Always ask the questions: How can I lengthen my publication list? How can I maximise my citation count? How can I optimize [some other bean count]? How can I keep my boss happy?

Two ways of doing research 1.Always ask the questions: How can I lengthen my publication list? How can I maximise my citation count? How can I optimize [some other bean count]? How can I keep my boss happy? Can be a good idea, early on

Two ways of doing research 1.Always ask the questions: How can I lengthen my publication list? How can I maximise my citation count? How can I optimize [some other bean count]? How can I keep my boss happy? Can be a good idea, early on But can lead to: Technique driven research Dilettantism, bandwaggon jumping Boredom

Two ways of doing research 2. Always ask the questions: What are the major goals in my (sub) field? Why have they not been achieved yet? Can I do something to contribute? Are there good ideas from elsewhere I can pull in? Will it be beautiful?

Two ways of doing research 2. Always ask the questions: What are the major goals in my (sub) field? Why have they not been achieved yet? Can I do something to contribute? Are there good ideas from elsewhere I can pull in? Will it be beautiful? More risky. Might spend a lot of time on a hard problem with nothing to show for it.

Two ways of doing research 2. Always ask the questions: What are the major goals in my (sub) field? Why have they not been achieved yet? Can I do something to contribute? Are there good ideas from elsewhere I can pull in? Will it be beautiful? More risky. Might spend a lot of time on a hard problem with nothing to show for it. But can lead to: Idea driven research Original / important results Fun

Why a fellowship is awesome

Can spend more time on `type 2’ research Less immediate pressure to publish / apply for jobs or more money More time to learn new things / develop wacky ideas Ultimately leads to (one hopes!) interesting publications Relatively low admin load (once you have the fellowship)

Why a fellowship is awesome Can spend more time on `type 2’ research Money Opportunities to travel Conferences / seminars Build collaborations Less immediate pressure to publish / apply for jobs or more money More time to learn new things / develop wacky ideas Ultimately leads to (one hopes!) interesting publications Relatively low admin load (once you have the fellowship)

Why a fellowship is awesome Can spend more time on `type 2’ research Money Opportunities to travel Conferences / seminars Build collaborations Less immediate pressure to publish / apply for jobs or more money More time to learn new things / develop wacky ideas Ultimately leads to (one hopes!) interesting publications Relatively low admin load (once you have the fellowship) Environment Imperial/London/UK is a great place to do science Can also spend 12 months elsewhere

Why a fellowship is awesome Can spend more time on `type 2’ research Money Freedom “Its the greatest job in the world for one very simple reason..... the fact that I don't have a boss. Picture that, if you will, and then envy me.” Opportunities to travel Conferences / seminars Build collaborations Less immediate pressure to publish / apply for jobs or more money More time to learn new things / develop wacky ideas Ultimately leads to (one hopes!) interesting publications Relatively low admin load (once you have the fellowship) Environment Imperial/London/UK is a great place to do science Can also spend 12 months elsewhere

How to get one

Prepare Figure out a proposal that would fill 3 years Balance between concrete research and exciting stuff

How to get one Prepare Spend time on the application Figure out a proposal that would fill 3 years Balance between concrete research and exciting stuff Put as much effort in as you would writing a paper Tick all the boxes

How to get one Prepare Spend time on the application Get advice / feedback Figure out a proposal that would fill 3 years Balance between concrete research and exciting stuff Put as much effort in as you would writing a paper Tick all the boxes Run your proposal by existing fellows and senior people EPSRC also can help (sample proposals, advice, etc.) Practice your talk

How to get one Prepare Spend time on the application Get advice / feedback Figure out a proposal that would fill 3 years Balance between concrete research and exciting stuff Put as much effort in as you would writing a paper Tick all the boxes Run your proposal by existing fellows and senior people EPSRC also can help (sample proposals, advice, etc.) Practice your talk Be lucky!

My perspectives on a Postdoctoral Fellowship in theoretical physics Sean Barrett Department of Physics, Imperial College, London