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

[Kurtis Williams]

FYI

~ Dr. Williams

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Dear Prospective Students,

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Alabama has an exciting array of graduate positions available for Fall 2026 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. UA is also offering a free graduate application week from Oct 6th - 10th, 2025. Details below.

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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=vVzaO-AGJ7oiu-38dJsgaDfOzDDOcSbv094bnnh7v-U&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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=EIPcT3NZVxeqWdR8pA5JOnDZ_vBXOolnxcjFiInbAko&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 Fall 2026 applicants, the regular application deadline is January 15th, 2026. Those who would like to be considered for all UA Fellowships are encouraged to submit complete applications by December 15th, 2025. 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=Au4XcxiWYIErCJMiO3Ld1Z4Lo_cJ7_qw1L20Wbc3g2M&e=>

Please note that the UA Graduate School will be offering an application fee waiver during the UA free grad app week from October 6th - 10th , 2025. Please see the UA graduate school website for information on receiving a fee waiver:  https://go.ua.edu/4g4YUyJ<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mx.technolutions.net_ss_c_u001.Jg-5FsqgPJs1lCjHcCRsBB8e4JxYzgwZzSj5dbhuDcjh2PmLR-2DebuMROn-5FtHR99Oq5_4k1_BcjaButnRJy98it-2DBkhdkQ_h2_h001.ELxGwr3WD-5FdOaaZVKu4EU5Y9OwXj3i25AaHojPt22-5FE&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=CI8F-JOCnqnBEZkT7vxlfGQu44Bu6jjoHMIWo4-FIMk&e=>

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

– Monday, October 06, 2025 at 9:00 am US central
– Monday, November 10, 2025 at 3:00 pm 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=KTJWgKI8nmaylw1pTdEBUfdpOr_x0JjeEoD3Bgco5_g&e=>. Please scroll to the bottom of the 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 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=KTJWgKI8nmaylw1pTdEBUfdpOr_x0JjeEoD3Bgco5_g&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. Preethi Nair
Associate 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=vVzaO-AGJ7oiu-38dJsgaDfOzDDOcSbv094bnnh7v-U&e=>

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Actively Recruiting Faculty (not a complete list)


Dr. Sam Grunblatt (Observational Astrophysics - 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=y4f4JJtwUSOtMe6qPjp49v6HI7pjsSaOvb_-RcJ9Ltg&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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=vpX3qThVVRYoPoPhnTC6xj0DQuPXGO8zWY8qE7Q4o3U&e=>
Email: ccyang at ua.edu<mailto:ccyang at ua.edu>

Dr. Katia Matcheva (Theoretical Astrophysics - exoplanets; Computational Physics - machine learning, quantum information science)
Dr. Matcheva's research group offers a unique opportunity to delve into the exciting field of exoplanet characterization. Using cutting-edge techniques in machine learning, statistics, and theoretical physics, we are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of planets beyond our solar system. Your work will involve: analyzing data from large-scale planetary surveys; developing innovative machine learning models for exoplanet characterization; exploring the potential of quantum machine learning for scientific applications. If you're eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and make a lasting impact on the field of astrophysics, we invite you to join our team. More information can be found at: https://physics.ua.edu/people/katia-matcheva/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_katia-2Dmatcheva_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=FbZVsTLFWimEjJs5_qRzAc5LDJRx66tUTnRaROX7uAM&e=>
Email: kmatcheva at ua.edu

Dr. Konstantin Matchev (Theoretical Particle Physics, exoplanets, Computational Physics - machine learning, quantum information science): Dr. Matchev's research interests include elementary particle physics (since 2002 he has been a member of the CMS experimental collaboration which in 2012 discovered the Higgs particle at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN), dark matter physics, new theories beyond the Standard Model, and the related Monte Carlo simulation and statistical data analysis techniques. Recently he has branched out into the areas of exoplanet spectroscopy (a team of his students won the Ariel Machine Learning Exoplanet Data Challenge at the 2022 NeurIPS conference) and the theory and practice of machine learning and quantum computing. 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=iTxMUcw5Iyt2W8xc8ZKrDYQrxS3dCkfpv7f_cdj_jKg&e=>
Email: kmatchev at ua.edu<mailto:kmatchev 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=WcM_sXW2q0LBn2uroFOjpGWFSPadLGpORIyCN35qPWU&e=>
Email: jbeikmohammadi at ua.edu<mailto:jbeikmohammadi at ua.edu>

Dr. Marzieh Kavand  (Experimental Condensed Matter Physics)  is seeking highly motivated students interested in experimental condensed matter physics research. Her work focuses on experimental studies of magnetic materials and quantum devices to understand fundamental spin properties and interactions, with applications in quantum information science and quantum sensing. Her research group investigates materials and devices made from 2D materials, thin films, and molecules, utilizing techniques such as magneto-optoelectronic transport and magnetic resonance spectroscopies, including electron spin resonance (ESR), optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR), and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Her research lab is equipped with facilities, including a 2D materials stacking and fabrication setup, low-temperature magneto-transport instruments, an atomic force microscope (AFM), and an optical setup. More information can be found at:https://physics.ua.edu/people/marzieh-kavand/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__physics.ua.edu_people_marzieh-2Dkavand_&d=DwMGaQ&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=iChQuC17Qn3vIoviwtt2dC0QKF2XhMAtaZU7ANkXjoI&m=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=9NjSET_RzB5Rt_En-3abTj_NHAvLBvKrDXiOJsg6vhY&e=>
Email: mkavand at ua.edu<mailto:mkavand 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=GgKbsPXVisMeQ2o1A1-4--sI7LBlnmJ-L9wekWvDs70&e=>
Email: yi.lin at ua.edu<mailto:yi.lin at ua.edu>


Dr. Wang-Kong Tse  (Theoretical condensed matter physics):  Dr. Tse is interested in understanding how novel macroscopic phenomena can arise from the collective interplay of many electrons and other microscopic degrees of freedom in quantum materials. He specializes in the dynamical electromagnetic behaviors in quantum solids due to external fields and intrinsic many-body interactions that show potential applications in energy harvesting and classical or quantum information processing. His investigations usually involve a combination of pen-and-paper analytical calculations and computer-based numerical calculations using the techniques of many-body quantum field theory and electronic structure modeling of materials. We encourage highly motivated students with a solid background in mathematical physics to apply. For more information, visit 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=ImlCcYTpEx6J4alVWhYxpFKp_zoZG-iyPxdSHlEMSYg&e=>
Email: wktse at ua.edu<mailto:wktse 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=kBztR_XmEiE1bM-7CqOYNt-LoCwHEQDTH3Qm_88sJhKAgex2yzly6yjsEwccw0T0&s=K73_UWw9IhtY6BAhN4WnY-t5YOW0R_BLnirm8Ob0WgU&e=>

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