It seems the situation is a balancing act between finding the right fit and securing funding. Since the professor in biophysics suggested speaking with a collaborator, that might be the most practical route, especially if co-mentorship could ease funding concerns. It’s also worth exploring projects in applied semiconductor fabrication, as companies in Europe such as Radley Engineering often collaborate on student placements; you can click here to see how they structure projects and practical training, which could provide insight into where your skills might best align. Keeping options open while focusing on areas where you feel capable and motivated can make the decision less stressful.