Student working on the BEC machine

Come and
Join Us

Be part of the exciting shift from constructing the apparatus to carrying out pioneering research. A rare chance to help define what a new lab discovers first.

A state-of-the-art machine, ready for science

We have just completed building a state-of-the-art experimental setup specifically designed to routinely generate high-flux Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) of lithium atoms — a powerful platform in ultracold quantum physics.

As LiLab approaches its final stages, we are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers to seize the unique opportunity to be among the first to use this machine for actual experiments.

You won't inherit someone else's project. You'll help define what we discover.

BEC vacuum chamber BEC apparatus Machine during construction

The new lithium BEC machine · LiLab 2025

What you'll work on

Our program pushes the boundaries of quantum simulation and ultracold physics across three core pillars.

Higher-Order Interactions

Mean-field theory is only the first term in a systematic expansion. Higher-order correlations — such as the three-body — give rise to entirely new quantum phases and phenomena, now explorable for the first time with our high-flux BEC machine.

  • Three-body correlations
  • Many-body quantum phases
  • Beyond-mean-field effects

Coherent Few-Body Physics

Investigate exotic Efimov states and few-body quantum bound states using an originally developed interferometric approach with unprecedented control and precision — building on 15+ years of pioneering work by this lab.

  • Efimov trimers and dimers
  • Matter-wave interferometry
  • Feshbach resonance control

Ultracold Chemistry

Probe state-to-state resolved chemical reactions and coherently manipulate reaction pathways at microkelvin temperatures — chemistry at the absolute quantum limit, where every collision can be controlled.

  • State-resolved reaction rates
  • Coherent pathway manipulation
  • Microkelvin chemistry

Everything you need to do great science

State-of-the-art equipment
A brand-new high-flux lithium BEC machine built from the ground up with the latest technology.
International collaborations
Active partnerships with leading groups at ENS Paris, Durham University, Purdue University, University of Maryland, UMass Boston, and other universities worldwide.
Hands-on from day one
You'll work directly on the machine, not observe from the sidelines. Students build, maintain, and run experiments.
Strong publication record
50+ papers in PRL, Nature Communications, PRA. Your work will be seen by the international community.
BIU fellowship & stipend
Competitive fellowship through Bar-Ilan University for all PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

A student builds a bitter magnet for the experimental apparatus.

A small team doing serious science

Everyone works on the machine, builds what we need, and figures things out together — directly alongside Prof. Khaykovich.

Student at work inside the full BEC apparatus
Prof. Khaykovich working alongside a student Student at the lab workbench Student assembling vacuum components

Beyond technical background

We are building a collaborative, ambitious team. More than specific skills or prior experience, we look for people who are:

01

Inherently curious

You find quantum physics genuinely fascinating, not just a career path. You ask "why" until you understand.

02

Energised by complexity

A complex experimental environment excites rather than intimidates you. Hard problems are an invitation.

03

Eager to drive

You take initiative, drive projects forward, and are comfortable with ambiguity. You make things happen.

Relevant backgrounds include physics, engineering, chemistry, or mathematics. Prior lab experience is a plus but not required — we train from the ground up.

Ready to join us?

Send an email with a brief cover letter and CV. That's it.

Now Open

Postdoctoral Researcher

Lead your own experiments on the new BEC machine. Strong publication record expected. All three research pillars available.

Now Open

PhD Candidate

Build your PhD on the frontier of quantum physics. Full BIU fellowship. BSc or MSc in physics, engineering, or related field.

Email subject line
Application: PhD/Postdoc Position at LiLab
Send Application Email →

Or email lev.khaykovich@biu.ac.il directly. We read every application personally.