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In this issue of NanoNews-Now Editor Rocky Rawstern covers nanotechnology jobs and education in two surveys. The first is designed to give our readers an idea of how universities are meeting the challenge of providing trained graduates.
The second survey went out to high-tech businesses, and focuses on their efforts to find qualified graduates and the types of jobs they need to fill.
In our main article, Pamela Bailey - of tinytechjobs.com - writes about getting nanotechnology jobs, education, and educational efforts.
Join us as we present "Nanotechnology - Jobs and Education"
Select quotes:
NN: Where are the jobs?
Right now the need for qualified nanotechnology employees comes from:
- Established industries such as microelectronics, information storage, and optoelectronics that have traditionally used microtechnology and are expanding research into smaller and smaller technology, structures, and devices.
- New industries that have been created as a result of nanotechnology: nanotechnology materials and coatings, nanotechnology structures (crystal, wires, tubes, etc.), MEMS/NEMS, nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, microfluidics, and others.
- Major industries such as the chemical, pharmaceutical/biotech, energy, aerospace and transportation, and many other industries that are now beginning to see the promise of nanotechnology.
- The many research, nanofabrication, foundry, and user facilities funded by the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
—Pamela Bailey, President tinytechjobs.
NN: What types of jobs do you expect to see an increased need for in the next decade?
The Ph.D. process is good and solid throughout the country. People interested in advanced degrees in material sciences know where to go for school, and are getting a great education. I think we will have an adequate supply of advanced technical skills. However, the mid and lower ranges of skills will be in short supply. Knowledge in quality control, automation and mass production techniques are all but missing in this field - for now. That lack will continue to hamper the evolution from 'lab work' to 'production work.'
—Michael J. Laine, President, Chief Strategic Officer LiftPort Group - "The Space Elevator Companies."
NN: What types of jobs are you seeing an increased need for, now?
Biological focused jobs, research chemistry, specialized equipment technicians, and project managers that can keep up with the torrid pace of nanotechnology.
—Mark Sternagle, Engineering Technician NanoHorizons.
NN: Are you currently meeting the demand (for qualified graduates) from high technology companies?
Since the number of companies is limited, we are meeting the demand now. To meet the future demand, we started the (new) curriculum in the fall of 2003, and the first students will graduate in 2008. At that time, the number of companies will have increased and we will thus meet the demand.
—Professor Knut Deppert, Division of Solid State Physics, Lund University.
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