The research group of Prof. Lilia Woods at the Physics Department in the University of South Florida, Tampa, US is looking for motivated students to pursue PhD studies in theoretical/computational condensed matter and materials physics. The group is engaged in various cutting edge problems related to theoretical modeling, description and discovery of novel effects and devices in nanostructured materials. In particular, we are pursuing problems related to thermoelectric properties of materials for enhanced cooling and power generation performances, first principle simulations of nanostructured materials properties, and related devices. We utilize available codes such as VASP, Abinit, and Comsol, however, we also develop in-house models and computational tools. The projects are sponsored by various national funding agencies. 

The interdisciplinary and collaborative projects we are involved in will enable students to acquire a variety of analytical and computational skills necessary to pursue carriers in research and/or the private sector. Students in our group have received prestigious awards and internships in national research laboratories and private industries and have found employment commensurate with their PhD degrees. Interested students are encouraged to browse the research group’s web site faculty.cas.usf.edu/lmwoods and send an inquiry email to Prof. Woods at [email protected]. For the application process, the interested student must send a CV, transcripts from the undergraduate studies, 3 letters of recommendation, TOEFL and GRE scores to [email protected]. Potential starting date for new students could be Fall 2016 semester.