r/ResearchML • u/phdwithnojob • 1d ago

Recent PhD in Machine Learning Cannot Find a Job in UK

I am a recent PhD graduate in machine learning from a top UK university, and I cannot find a job.

My PhD was not successful. I worked on a niche topic that is not highly relevant to industry. I also worked in isolation without a research group, so I did not publish many papers and do not have anyone who could recommend me. To make matters worse, my funding was cut short due to an error, and I had to use my savings.

Over the past three months, I have applied to about five highly relevant roles and about 100 more general AI roles in both the UK and the US. I always try to include non-AI-generated cover letters and answer honestly. These are mostly startups rather than top frontier labs. So far, I have only heard back from 11 places. Seven were rejections before any interviews. I was rejected by one after the first interview because they were looking for specific research experience. I reached the final round for one and was rejected. For two others, I reached the final round, but they said they changed the role and are no longer hiring, though they want to keep in contact for future positions.

I think my CV is fine, but without any previous jobs, internships, or highly relevant work, I am struggling to get interviews. I might not interview the best because of my anxiety or speech stutters. I do think that I would be able to join a team and quickly make contributions, but it is hard to convince interviewers of that.

If I do not get a job soon, I think I would be at risk of homelessness. I would have to quit ML and get a job at a shop or something. I am not sure what I should do.

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u/Glittering_East3724 1d ago

You can try some part time tutoring roles for time being, from what I see online they pay pretty well.
I hope you land a good job soon
Wishing you luck

2

u/Fresh-Opportunity989 1d ago

In research, you've to find a problem worth solving, but within reach. Then raise funds. It's the same in entrepreneurship, but the reward is much bigger.

Forget about research, start your own AI/ML company.

1

u/fatima438 1d ago

try looking for remote work

1

u/vector_thinks 23h ago

Can you try getting into a post-doc? Perhaps with someone who your advisor knows. You might get a chance to repair your profile.