Ask HN: How do I bridge the gap between PhD and SWE experiences?
After finishing my PhD in earth sciences, I pivoted to software engineering. I’ve spent the last 8 years as a full-stack developer, gaining a decent grasp of various stacks and frameworks. I’m now at a point where I want to merge my scientific background with my engineering experience. However, I’m finding a "missing middle" in the job market. I don't ever see a position that requires and values deep expertise in both. I enjoy development, but I feel like my scientific training is going to waste. For those who have successfully merged these two paths: Did you find a "unicorn" role, or did you create one within a company? How do you market yourself when your two halves feel like they belong to different resumes? 8 comments on Hacker News.
After finishing my PhD in earth sciences, I pivoted to software engineering. I’ve spent the last 8 years as a full-stack developer, gaining a decent grasp of various stacks and frameworks. I’m now at a point where I want to merge my scientific background with my engineering experience. However, I’m finding a "missing middle" in the job market. I don't ever see a position that requires and values deep expertise in both. I enjoy development, but I feel like my scientific training is going to waste. For those who have successfully merged these two paths: Did you find a "unicorn" role, or did you create one within a company? How do you market yourself when your two halves feel like they belong to different resumes?
After finishing my PhD in earth sciences, I pivoted to software engineering. I’ve spent the last 8 years as a full-stack developer, gaining a decent grasp of various stacks and frameworks. I’m now at a point where I want to merge my scientific background with my engineering experience. However, I’m finding a "missing middle" in the job market. I don't ever see a position that requires and values deep expertise in both. I enjoy development, but I feel like my scientific training is going to waste. For those who have successfully merged these two paths: Did you find a "unicorn" role, or did you create one within a company? How do you market yourself when your two halves feel like they belong to different resumes? 8 comments on Hacker News.
After finishing my PhD in earth sciences, I pivoted to software engineering. I’ve spent the last 8 years as a full-stack developer, gaining a decent grasp of various stacks and frameworks. I’m now at a point where I want to merge my scientific background with my engineering experience. However, I’m finding a "missing middle" in the job market. I don't ever see a position that requires and values deep expertise in both. I enjoy development, but I feel like my scientific training is going to waste. For those who have successfully merged these two paths: Did you find a "unicorn" role, or did you create one within a company? How do you market yourself when your two halves feel like they belong to different resumes?
Hacker News story: Ask HN: How do I bridge the gap between PhD and SWE experiences?
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December 25, 2025
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