[logicslave]

I would move into a research engineer position at a well respected company. Like FAANG. From there you can move into more industrial research oriented roles. Avoid a PhD unless you have gotten into a top program, or you have a specific research goal already in mind.

[GianFabien]

There are other options, e.g. Microsoft, some large multi-nationals or even national research organisations. In the latter, it might be possible to start in a technician role and then progress to a PhD part-time.

[YesMilord]

Is this possible without having a PhD? Most positions I've seen seem to have this as a pre-requisite

[GianFabien]

It might be feasible to do a Masters by Research, get such a job and then upgrade to a PhD on the job.