Fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in three projects in the Makov group at Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheba, Israel, starting 1 May 2024 or later.

(i) Materials modelling of point defects and their electronic and chemical properties in the context of radiation damage studies in space and fusion devices. 

(ii) Modelling of the structural and thermodynamic properties of dense molecular fluids, such as compressed hydrogen and water, including machine learning to develop interatomic potentials.

(iii) Modelling of the structure, liquid transitions, and phase diagrams of anomalous liquid metals of groups I and V in the periodic table and their alloys using ab initio methods to train machine-learned potentials. 

Students should possess, or expect to obtain, an M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.  In exceptional cases, a direct Ph.D. track can be considered. The ideal candidate will be interested in material simulations and possess very good written and oral communication skills in English. Experience with scientific computing, particularly computational software (e.g., LAMMPS, Quantum ESPRESSO) and programming languages (e.g., Python, scripting) is an advantage.

Any candidate selected must be accepted to the Kreitman School of Graduate Studies at Ben-Gurion University. https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/kreitman_school/Pages/default.aspx

Relocation costs will be reimbursed.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, a copy of all university degrees and other certificates, as well as transcripts from their undergraduate and graduate studies. All combined in a single pdf file to makovg(at)bgu.ac.il. Please specify if a particular project is preferred.