Physics PhD wondering where to go next
I just finished a physics PhD in the UK and have decided that being a postdoc just isn't that interesting or profitable. My degrees are in chemistry (BSc and MSc from Waterloo) and physics (PhD from Oxford). I have experience in programming (c,cpp,fortran,matlab,etc), statistical inference problems (Bayesian and the other one), numerical linear algebra, and large-scale data analysis. Anyone have any thoughts on what sort of positions I might be qualified for in banking/finance? I'm good with numbers/data but have absolutely zero financial experience. Heck, I'm so green that I'm posting on random internet forums asking where to begin. Currently in Toronto but I'm willing to move.
Cheers, Darren
There are lots of guys in the PE/VC world that would truly value your expertise. Look at funds like Orbimed and Aisling Capital (two great examples). You will see a lot of these guys come from backgrounds much like yours. Clearly you are intelligent and will pick up on the financial side.
I'm not sure banking would be the right fit, although we have a few guys with PhD's on my healthcare team. I would stick to PE, your role would be more science based.
Apply to this:
https://www.renfund.com/vm/data_programming.vm
Renaissance Technologies is probably the best hedge fund ever and is highly quantitative (most people there are science/math PhDs). If you can get in there you are set.
Your lack of financial experience won't be a hindrance if you apply to Quantitative hedge funds in the U.S. or UK. Look at hedge funds like Two Sigma Investments, DE Shaw, Citadel and the firm CashCow posted. Good example of firms where a background like yours could be useful. They're probably your best bet, especially because a lot of high frequency quant firms seem to be hiring in full swing right now.
You're an ideal candidate for a "quant" position. Either at a hedge fund as mentioned above, or within the quant strategies group at an investment bank. Most of them stress that they can teach you everything about finance on-the-job and you just need to come in with good math and programming skills. The work is somewhat similar to an academic environment though - read papers, come up with good ideas, code them up, write papers. Fortunately the time horizon for everything is shorter!
Thanks for the input all.
That's exactly what I'm looking for. The only real problems I have with academia are the constant groveling for funding/resources, the lack of decent students at the moment, the long timescale, and the salary. I'm lucky with the latter as I was offered a private fellowship and teach 2 sessions/year. Not great but livable.
Hi Physicist :)
I am just curious. Did you get into RenTec in the end?
LHC
Physics PhD from Oxford? Take your pick old chap.
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