[markus_zhang]

I'd say research position at Google of Microsoft. If research positions are not available then any position that gives you some freedom to poke at whatever you like.

I do agree that such positions are much rarer nowadays than the Cold War in which states were willing to invest X% for scientific progression. Nowadays? Let's cut everything that doesn't have a strong political backer.

[badpun]

Judging by the output of Google and Microsoft research units, they seem to be watered down variants of academia (with a lot more practical bent) and they certainly don't allow you freedom to pursue interests.