I've noticed a few people on the forum saying they are from the US or moving to the US after their PhD. I am also thinking of looking for work in N.America.

What I'd like to know is how is a British PhD and HE education 'really' perceived in the US? Does it help or hinder?

I have a 'red brick' UG degree, followed by a Masters and PhD (soon) from the Uni. of London. I won't disclose my subject area - but it is ultra competitive field. On this basis, I considered myself an above average student/candidate but not a high-flier. So...how would this be perceived by US academia and generally?

In terms of academic jobs, it appears that more often than not only Oxbridge degrees feature on academics credentials, and less frequently London. I have never seen anyone in my subject area with a red brick degree in a US faculty.

Please excuse my bad grammar (why is there no editing facility on here?)

I find that hard to believe. I went to a London college and know a ton of people who went to the US. Going to the US after your PhD is very common - but then I don't know your field. Most people come back again though - only a minority stay on for tenure.

It seems lots of people have a goal of going to the US after their British PhD--and I have to ask, why? Is it a better job market ( which probably depends upon your area) or does working in the US look better if you want to work later in another country? Or is it just a general desire to live in the US? Having come from the US to get a UK PhD I am just curious about traveling the other way across the Atlantic. What's the attraction?

For me? Taco Bell!

We used to say you had to get your BTA - been to America badge. It was a common route to do a postdoc in America (or Canada). Money is waaaay better and the market is bigger - so if you are at the top of the pile here you will consequently have even more opportunities in the US. I think this applies espeically to technical fields.

Although I'm married to an American - I have no interest at all in living there myself. Much too clean...

I think British PhDs are generally looked upon favourably by US academics. The lack of UK academics from outside Oxbridge or London in the US purely stems from the fact that the US has such a wealth of research institutions as well as competition from other European countries as well as the increasing numbers of high quality PhDs coming out of Asian universities.

As for is there a difference in a non red-brick or not - I think that dead horse has been well and truely flogged on this forum - I don't think It'll make a difference if you applying to someone in your specialism and you have unique qualities that they want.

It is however a whole different ball game if you are just applying to any old semi-relevant Post doc job - then it may be based on publications, school etc

As for 'Why move to the US' - I see it as a perk of the Job, the ability to take your qualification and work anywhere in the world, provided you speak the language (probably)- Although I would say that the money probably isn't better in the States in my experience

But I don't think there IS a lack of non-Oxbridge academics in the US. Where is that information coming from because it's not my experience at all?

Jewel says "I think British PhDs are generally looked upon favourably by US academics. The lack of UK academics from outside Oxbridge or London in the US purely stems from the fact that the US has such a wealth of research institutions as well as competition from other European countries as well as the increasing numbers of high quality PhDs coming out of Asian universities."

I think this is exactly why I am concerned as to whether to bother or not. Is the competition too hot for anyone who does not possess a creme de la creme education? I wouldn't want to go out there and compete at the bottom of the pile.

My reasons for wanting to go: it suits my research areas, and I find US professors have a greater intellectual committment towards teaching their students, rather than seeing teaching as a necessary evil in their pursuit of research. And then of course, the pay & ability to buy property is better.

I don't find an academic career in the UK a viable option now for anyone who wants to live a comfortable lifestyle.

But I don't think there IS a lack of non-Oxbridge academics in the US. Where is that information coming from because it's not my experience at all?

The information is coming my own experience - the standard credentials for US profs in my field are: liberal arts college, Harvard/Yale/Michigan (or other top-tier grad schools), followed by a year in Oxbridge/LSE.

My old field was biochemistry/molecular biology and I knew many people from non-Oxbridge universities who went to the US and some stayed. Perhaps it's different in non-technical fields and perhaps (speculating only) that's because there is les funding and fewer opportunities in general. Still not really convinced though... (tempted to google but much not get side-tracked....).

Why don't you just apply and see if you get an offer/ If you do - then that's your answer.

Indeedy, I will apply - I'm hardly going to rely on the advice on an online forum to make that decision for me.

However, I would like to gauge how British academics are viewed in the US. The subject field does seem to vary greatly with respect to faculty background. I feel my best chances are to aim at two/three tier schools.