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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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....

Graduate student in ecology, just finishing up.

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.

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

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

I'm a software developer who works on Backend/APIs/Cloud/AI.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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. :)