Re: How possible is it to become an independent researcher without a PhD?

Dear questioner,

It is certainly possible to work in scientific research without a Ph.D. As you submitted your question in the field of Computer Science, I assume that this is your area of interest. Here's a brief summary of the pros and cons.

First, some kind of higher education qualification is more or less essential. A good undergraduate degree, better still a Masters. It is often possible to do Masters degrees part-time, or in several segments or there are even rapid courses that you might describe as double-density (e.g. a years work in 6 months). There are several reasons why a Ph.D. is normally required for research, but foremost amongst these is that it proves that you are of the required calibre. Make no mistake, research is tough. The degree that you receive at the end of a Ph.D. is not so much a recognition of your work as a recognition that you possess the mental stamina to survive in the research world. In other words, a Ph.D. is viewed as the training that you require in order to perform research effectively. It may be hard to convince people to take you on without one.

There are people who have entered research by another route. Most commonly, they have found employment in an institution, probably as a research assistant and have been able to contribute to a research program and publish as part of a team. Often these people accumulate anough work over time to submit for a higher degree.

Independent research whilst employed full-time in a non-research job? Forget it. Research is a full-time occupation. Your research problems should be uppermost and continually present in your mind. If this is the case during the day, your day job will suffer. If you attempt a regular day job and an evening "amateur" research existence, your health and mental wellbeing will suffer.

You may be alluding to the notion that many great researchers were not professionally employed by institutes. Einstein famously was a patent clerk when he devised relativity. Other examples include independent environmental scientist James Lovelock and Jim Westphal, one of the Hubble Space Telescope designers, has no Ph.D. according to Richard Preston in the book "First Light". These people are stubborn, often had a lucky break in life, but most of all they have phenomenally brilliant minds with the rare, elusive quality we call genius. If you think that describes you, well then give it a go!

I recommend Lovelock's autobiography for a fascinating account of how he became an independent scientist. But for most people, I recommend the traditional route. Three or four years is not such a long time and if you get the right supervisor, a good project and a nice working environment, it can be an exciting, enjoyable experience. We all like the notion of the amateur scientist tinkering in the garage or shed, but sadly that's a bygone age. It's very hard to be funded or taken seriously unless you are suitably qualified and affiliated with a recognised institution. Working alone, you will also miss out on interaction with bright, like-minded people which is a key part of research. So think about it and think about whether you have the necessary commitment. It's more than a job, it's a way of life!