[phas-grad] FW: Open Graduate Positions at the University of Alabama Dept. of Physics and Astronomy + Free Graduate Application Week

[Kurtis Williams]

The email below is advertising the graduate program in physics and astronomy at the University of Alabama.  Note that next week they are offering free applications for applications started next week.

Cheers,
Dr. Williams


Dear Prospective Students,

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Alabama has an exciting array of graduate positions available for Fall 2027 which we would like to share with you. A list of actively recruiting faculty is included below. Please note that this list is meant to be a sample. Research groups not shown here are always interested in new students.

Students are encouraged to visit our website below for information about our department, application procedures, requirements, and more:
http://physics.ua.edu/grad/AdmitGrad.html<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__physics.ua.edu_grad_AdmitGrad.html&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=aHQ2abzGs21pAqX1oie-9k5VjGIGAzUHgYN4Vnk58lU&e=>
https://physics.ua.edu/graduate-program/frequently-asked-questions<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_graduate-2Dprogram_frequently-2Dasked-2Dquestions&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=fKdmrpVU_hPPBqRhUIWi4YpmQnR2nOmB5DPwg6ei67s&e=>

Applicants are not required to submit GRE or PGRE scores. In addition, the at-home Duolingo English test scores will be accepted in place of the TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.

For Fall 2027 applicants, the regular application deadline is January 15th, 2027. However, those who would like to be considered for all UA Fellowships are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by December 15th, 2027. Furthermore, apps started during
UA free grad app week from October 5th - 9th, 2026 will be eligible for a fee waiver.
Please see the UA graduate school website for information on receiving a fee waiver: https://stories.ua.edu/gs/freeappweek/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__stories.ua.edu_gs_freeappweek_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=hQ5y36pNne1ocuaFbY9os4jqQqNV8WwkBklD3qk1pzQ&e=>

Information on financial support is available at:
https://physics.ua.edu/graduate-program/financial-support/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_graduate-2Dprogram_financial-2Dsupport_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=jk9GDFJDYwKbJxN741aby4RXzHNE7T93isSusN2Pl-s&e=>

For students interested in learning more about our graduate program in physics and astronomy, we will be running virtual Q&A sessions on:

– Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10:00 am US central
– Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10:00 am US central
– Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 11:00 am US central

You can register for the events at: https://slate.ua.edu/portal/grad-connect<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__slate.ua.edu_portal_grad-2Dconnect&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=UOVBrdtthLFH84xiK7MtsNHCM4s9KS1hYVH_FLoGHzU&e=>. Please scroll to the bottom of the linked page to sign-up for one of the free events.

The UA Graduate School frequently hosts online Q&A sessions on how to apply to the UA graduate school and other topics. Students can find the schedule and sign up to attend one of the events at:
https://slate.ua.edu/portal/grad-connect<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__slate.ua.edu_portal_grad-2Dconnect&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=UOVBrdtthLFH84xiK7MtsNHCM4s9KS1hYVH_FLoGHzU&e=>

Students can also email us at physgrad at ua.edu<mailto:physgrad at ua.edu> for more information about the UA Physics and Astronomy graduate program.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,

Dr. Samuel Grunblatt
Assistant Professor
Director for Graduate Recruitment and Admission
Department of Physics & Astronomy
The University of Alabama
E-mail: physgrad at ua.edu<mailto:physgrad at ua.edu>
http://physics.ua.edu/grad/AdmitGrad.html<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__physics.ua.edu_grad_AdmitGrad.html&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=aHQ2abzGs21pAqX1oie-9k5VjGIGAzUHgYN4Vnk58lU&e=>

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Actively Recruiting Faculty (not a complete list)


Dr. Sam Grunblatt (Observational Astrophysics - stars & exoplanets): Dr. Grunblatt is an observational astronomer specializing in star and exoplanet detection and characterization. He is most interested in understanding how planetary systems evolve across our Galaxy. His research has investigated the inflation and orbital evolution of gas giant planets in the context of stellar evolution, and how the planet populations of subgiant and red giant stars compares to their main sequence precursors. Furthermore, he has characterized photometric observations of stars to precisely measure their masses, radii, and ages and understand the age distribution and evolution of star and planet populations throughout the Galaxy. His projects span late-stage planetary system evolution, asteroseismology and galactic archaeology. He is also involved in the NASA Kepler and TESS Missions, and is a member of the TESS Follow Up Working Group and TESS Asteroseismic Science Consortium. More information can be found at:https://physics.ua.edu/people/samuel-grunblatt/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_samuel-2Dgrunblatt_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=S9fB3dW6Jzadvqj7xdBg7HmrLKyaa7sp16eWtOzBw7s&e=>
Email: sgrunblatt at ua.edu<mailto:sgrunblatt at ua.edu>

Dr. Chao-Chin Yang (Theoretical Astrophysics - planet formation): Dr. Yang specializes in planet formation, especially in how kilometer-sized objects such as asteroids and Kuiper Belt objects could form directly from cm/mm-sized dust materials in young circumstellar disks.  For this purpose, he uses large-scale computer simulations to study complicated dynamics between gas and dust in these disks.  Students who are interested in theory of planet formation and exoplanetary sciences are encouraged to apply. More information can be found at: https://physics.ua.edu/people/chao-chin-yang/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_chao-2Dchin-2Dyang_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=iYtOlp5Fs2Fe_faNnSqOkVA6mlIl5X2eVEXL6MNEPdA&e=>
Email: ccyang at ua.edu<mailto:ccyang at ua.edu>

Dr. Sergei Gleyzer (Experimental Particle Physics, Computational Physics - machine learning, applied artificial intelligence): Dr. Gleyzer's works on new physics phenomena at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the CERN particle physics laboratory, located in Switzerland. He has been an integral part of the team that discovered the Higgs boson in 2012 and is now involved in the measurement of the properties of this new particle to pin down effects of any new physics beyond the Standard Model. Dr. Gleyzer’s research explores novel approaches to physics analysis, particle and event identification, detector reconstruction, simulation and particle physics triggering systems. Dr. Gleyzer works on the development of artificial intelligence techniques for new physics, including searches for rare decays of the Higgs boson and dark matter using the data collected by the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. In a complimentary direction aimed at understanding the nature of dark matter, Dr. Gleyzer’s group has developed a novel machine learning approach to probe dark matter with strong gravitational lensing. More information can be found at: https://physics.ua.edu/people/sergei-gleyzer/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_sergei-2Dgleyzer_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=aV7Qsxi0EmGd-pWbDazU1IKSht2pDj583Nky4a37AOI&e=>
Email: sgleyzer at ua.edu<mailto:sgleyzer at ua.edu>

Dr. Konstantin Matchev (Theoretical Particle Physics, Computational Physics - artificial intelligence, quantum computing):  Prof. Matchev's group works at the interface of theoretical particle physics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The questions are the field's oldest - what is dark matter, what lies beyond the Standard Model, how do you measure particles that do not interact in the detector - but the methods are new: neural networks that uncover symmetries and Lie group structures hidden in data, symbolic regression that derives formulas human theorists had missed, and quantum machine-learning architectures for collider data. Because he is one of few theorists inside the CMS Collaboration at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, students here build methods that real experiments go on to adopt - currently through a Department of Energy Genesis Mission project developing autonomous AI agents for high-energy physics simulation and analysis. Group members have won AI hackathons like the international Ariel Machine Learning Data Challenge at NeurIPS, and have gone on to postdocs at CERN and Fermilab and faculty positions worldwide. More information can be found at: https://physics.ua.edu/people/konstantin-matchev/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_konstantin-2Dmatchev_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=d4CMKDJi7rxhXjg2hbl3tGMRQvwKHcHA1MI--q6mxMA&e=>
Email: kmatchev at ua.edu<mailto:kmatchev at ua.edu>

Dr. Emanuele Usai (Experimental Particle Physics, Detector Instrumentation, Computational Physics – machine learning, quantum computing, applied artificial intelligence): Dr. Usai works on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the CERN particle physics laboratory, located near Geneva, Switzerland. He leads UA's group on the CMS High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL), a new detector for the High-Luminosity LHC. The group characterizes silicon sensors in the UA clean room, takes part in detector assembly at Fermilab and CERN, and does R&D on calorimeters for future colliders. His physics research centers on the top quark, the heaviest known elementary particle. It decays so quickly that its spin is imprinted directly on its decay products, which makes top-quark pairs a unique laboratory for measuring quantum entanglement at the highest energies ever reached. He also studies the rare production of four top quarks to probe the top quark's coupling to the Higgs boson, and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model in events with high-momentum top quarks. In a complementary direction, Dr. Usai's group develops machine learning and quantum algorithms for data analysis, as well as AI agents built on large language models to automate HGCAL data-quality monitoring. Students in the group can combine hands-on detector work, LHC data analysis, and AI development. More information can be found at: https://sites.ua.edu/eusai/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__sites.ua.edu_eusai_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=dpS8Ht9bguWFLHjsdS1GEk9QJrFUsgQp4fNOoqUcJBw&e=>
Email: eusai at ua.edu<mailto:eusai at ua.edu>

Dr. Jamileh Beik Mohammadi (Experimental Condensed Matter Physics - Magnetism and Quantum Materials): Dr. Jamileh Beik Mohammadi’s research focuses on the intersection of quantum materials and spintronics. Her primary goal is to design, develop, and characterize materials that utilize charge and spin degrees of freedom, aiming to suggest solutions for high-performance magnetic devices. Example materials of interest are antiferromagnetic, altermagnetic, high entropy, and van der Waals materials. She studies magnetization dynamics and magnetic domains using experimental methods (FMR and MOKE magnetometry and microscopy) as well as micromagnetic simulations in collaboration with research institutions and national labs. Students interested in experimental condensed matter physics, magnetism, and quantum materials are encouraged to apply. More information can be found at https://physics.ua.edu/people/jamileh-beik-mohammadi/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_jamileh-2Dbeik-2Dmohammadi_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=O0t3rF_3uzMjoRjE9Rc8fSs9C7lodB8LCRInAvhJyAo&e=>
Email: jbeikmohammadi at ua.edu<mailto:jbeikmohammadi at ua.edu>

Dr. Georg Schwiete (Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics)  is seeking highly motivated students interested in theoretical condensed matter physics research. Dr. Schwiete's group studies transport and dynamics in quantum many-body systems. They are especially interested in the combined effects of disorder and interactions in low-dimensional systems. Prominent examples are the two-dimensional electron liquid near the metal-insulator transition and disordered superconducting films near the transition to the superconducting state. The lab is also engaged in research on systems with strong spin-orbit coupling such as topological insulators and in aspects of spintronics. Most studies are based on methods of quantum field theory in condensed matter physics. More information can be found at:https://physics.ua.edu/people/georg-schwiete/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_georg-2Dschwiete_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=1oBPjCS1CtUa9j9rqjtts4dPzgbaqqLEiN6czchpIW4&e=>
Email: gschwiete at ua.edu<mailto:gschwiete at ua.edu>


Dr. Wang-Kong Tse (Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics – Quantum Materials, Topology, and Nonequilibrium Dynamics) is recruiting Ph.D. students to join the Tse Research Group in Fall 2027. The group investigates fundamental phenomena in quantum materials, with research spanning quantum transport, light–matter interactions and Floquet dynamics, topological quantum matter, spin dynamics and transport, many-body interaction effects, and two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures. Students will develop and apply analytical and computational methods—including quantum field theory, nonequilibrium techniques, and numerical modeling—to understand and control the electronic, optical, and spin properties of emerging quantum systems. Applicants should have a solid background in physics and mathematics, strong analytical abilities, and an interest in theoretical and computational research. Motivated students in physics, materials science, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply. More information can be found at: https://sites.ua.edu/tsegroup/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__sites.ua.edu_tsegroup_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=mn7zlvUmHIR3BSXU49Y_Wx-6N5iyqzPD333_ePY-_XY&e=>

Email: wktse at ua.edu<mailto:wktse at ua.edu>


Dr. Yi Lin (Experimental Condensed Matter Physics): Dr. Lin is seeking for motivated students with passion in studying and engineering quantum materials using lasers, national lab synchrotrons and computational tools. Dr. Lin’s group works on visualizing exotic electronic behaviors in materials under various engineered conditions and understanding their interactions with other physical degrees of freedom. Students with interests or backgrounds in one of the following topics but wish to obtain interdisciplinary research experience are highly encouraged to apply, including computational experience in DFT calculation or machine learning, experimental background in optical or electronic micro-spectroscopies and experimental experience in device fabrications and sample preparations. Dr. Lin’s group provides supportive culture in taking care of member’s self-interests and career developments. We look forward to your applications! For more information, visit https://physics.ua.edu/people/yi-lin/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_yi-2Dlin_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=GVvkDI36UImdwl1US6MRwyHIVUhpmz_midaWM-KNEVE&e=>
Email: yi.lin at ua.edu<mailto:yi.lin at ua.edu>



Faculty in other areas including astronomy, astroparticle physics, condensed matter physics, and particle physics are also recruiting students. For a full list of faculty please visit: https://physics.ua.edu/department-directory/?_sfm_affiliation=Faculty<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_department-2Ddirectory_-3F-5Fsfm-5Faffiliation-3DFaculty&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=MjS3RNoXXTDVr6CXK4DliysRGpXx3DqaY3FIyt0JYkASkYD48jKE0oe7Vz1caz4C&s=BKowpK5wnsOBGqgHbYPjq5dL6DN5aUvZoBSgwc-zy7g&e=>

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