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Itai Silber

@itaisilber

Message

I build physics-based models and experiments to design network materials for transport, waves, and damage resilience.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to predict, design, and build network materials whose architecture controls transport, wave propagation, and damage, combining analytical modeling, numerical simulation, and experiments.

At the University of Michigan, I develop graph, beam, and continuum models for impact, elastic-wave propagation, cavitation, damage, and geometry-dependent transport in non-periodic and soft materials. I build Python workflows for geometry generation, meshing, PDE solving, parameter sweeps, and post-processing, and test predictions experimentally.

My PhD research at Tel Aviv University combined symmetry analysis, transport, thermodynamics, and microscopy to discover two-component nematic superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS₂ and determine the Fermi-surface topology of SrₓBi₂Se₃. I start from governing physics, make assumptions explicit, and use numerical and experimental benchmarks to determine when reduced models are justified.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Postdoctoral Researcher

Current

University of Michigan

Feb 2026 - Present (7 months)

Develops graph, beam, and continuum models for impact and elastic-wave propagation in non-periodic structures, and builds Python-based numerical workflows for geometry generation, meshing, and PDE solution.

Python NumPy Scipy Jupyter DOLFINx FEniCSx Ansys FreeCAD LaTeX Sparse Linear Algebra Partial Differential Equations (PDE)Graph Models Elasticity Beam Models Transport Numerical Simulation

PhD Researcher

Tel Aviv University

Jan 2018 - Dec 2025 (7 years 11 months)

Discovered two-component nematic superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS₂ and determined Fermi-surface topology of superconducting SrₓBi₂Se₃, using transport, thermodynamic, and microscopy measurements.

Python NumPy Scipy Jupyter LaTeX Electronic Transport Cryogenics Thermal and High Speed Imaging Microscopy Mechanical Testing Symmetry Analysis Angular Magnetotransport

Research Mentor & Head Physics Laboratory Instructor

Tel Aviv University

Mentored undergraduate, M.Sc., Ph.D., and engineering-capstone researchers, and directed a physics laboratory serving ~600 students per semester with ~25 instructors and technicians.

Python Experimental Design Uncertainty estimation Data Analysis Mentorship

UROP Research Mentor

University of Michigan

Supervised an undergraduate researcher developing an automated experimental-analysis pipeline, reviewing code, numerical assumptions, validation tests, and scientific interpretation.

Python Data Analysis Validation Scientific Data Interpretation