Question: What are jobs you can do experiments with and lab work for

Aasifa Rounak answered on 14 Nov 2024:

There are many fields where jobs involve hands-on experiments, lab work, and research. This depends on the field that one wants to be involved in. One could be a Biochemist/Biophysicist who studies chemical processes and physical principles of living things or a Physicist who works on particle physics or quantum mechanics. The possibilities are endless!

As a mechanical engineer by training, I can speak more specifically to opportunities in this field. In both academia and industry, mechanical engineering offers a range of roles for those interested in lab work and experimentation.

In academia, students and researchers often engage in experimental projects within university labs, studying areas like dynamics, mechanics of structures or fluids, material properties, and transfer of heat, all contributing to scientific advancements and innovative technologies. Academic roles, such as research assistantships and lab internships, provide access to specialized equipment and collaborative research environments.

In industry, mechanical engineers work on practical, hands-on challenges in fields like automotive, aerospace, energy, and biomedical devices, where they test and optimize products and processes. For instance, engineers may conduct safety testing on automotive parts, analyze aerodynamics of shapes in wind tunnels, or refine manufacturing processes with robotics and automation.

While industry roles focus on practical applications and efficiency improvements, academic roles emphasize discovery and advancing knowledge. Both paths offer rewarding opportunities for those interested in experimentation and innovation.