Future lunar, Martian, and deep-space missions will require advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions over long-duration missions, including intense radiation, large temperature variations, and prolonged exposure to harsh environments. This PhD project aims to design and discover next-generation High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) with enhanced radiation resistance and thermal stability for space technologies, contributing to the understanding and development of novel materials for extreme environments.
The research will combine state-of-the-art computational materials science, artificial intelligence, and multiscale modelling to investigate how cosmic rays, solar particles, and radiation environments affect the structural and electronic properties of complex materials. Using first-principles simulations, machine learning techniques, and advanced Monte Carlo methods, the student will develop predictive tools for designing materials for satellites, radiation detectors, and future space nuclear energy systems.
The project offers a unique interdisciplinary environment at the interface of condensed matter physics, materials science, nuclear physics, and space technology, with international collaborations and research stays at leading European institutions. The outcomes will contribute to the development of reliable, radiation-tolerant materials for the next generation of space exploration missions.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in condensed matter physics, materials science, or a closely related field, with solid knowledge of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Experience in computational physics and programming (e.g. Python, Fortran, C/C++ or similar), as well as familiarity with electronic structure methods such as density functional theory or many-body techniques, is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, motivation to work at the interface of materials modelling and nuclear theory, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.