There are a variety of career options for physics PhDs beyond teaching, including research positions in academia, national laboratories, and private industry. Other options include science policy, science writing, and consulting.
A postdoctoral position is a temporary research position for individuals who have recently completed their PhD. It allows for further training and experience in a particular research area before pursuing a permanent position. A doctoral position, on the other hand, is a research-based degree program that culminates in a PhD.
There are several ways to find postdoctoral positions, including networking at conferences and through professional organizations, searching job postings on university and lab websites, and using online job search engines specific to academic and research positions.
Postdoctoral positions typically require a strong background in the specific field of research, as well as excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Previous research experience, publications, and conference presentations are also highly valued.
No, it is not necessary to complete a postdoctoral position before pursuing a career outside of academia. However, the skills and experience gained during a postdoc can be valuable in a variety of industries and can make you a more competitive job candidate.