CV

Academic and professional experience in computational physics, machine learning, and materials science.

General Information

Full Name Saba Kharabadze, PhD
Location Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Languages English (native/bilingual), Georgian (native/bilingual), Russian (proficient)

Education

  • 2024
    PhD in Physics
    Binghamton University, State University of New York
    • Dissertation: Machine Learning and ab initio insights into the design of lithium-based materials
    • Developed neural network potentials for materials discovery
    • First-authored publications in npj Computational Materials and Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
  • 2017
    Bachelor of Science in Physics
    Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia
    • Minor in Computer Science and Mathematics
    • Merit-based tuition scholarship recipient

Academic Experience

  • Apr 2025 - present
    Research Scientist
    CNIT RaSS Lab, Pisa, Italy
    • Utilizing ML approach for radar signal processing and target detection
    • Building simulation frameworks for coverage analysis of mono- and multistatic radar systems
  • Aug 2025 - present
    Physics AI Model Validation Expert
    Handshake MOVE Program (Remote)
    • Creating reasoning problems and solutions for AI models to challenge their physics knowledge
    • Evaluating AI model responses and providing feedback
  • 2018 - 2024
    PhD Candidate
    Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY
    • Discovery of new Li-Sn phases with machine learning
      • Generated DFT reference data using VASP to parametrize neural network models
      • Utilized evolutionary algorithms to produce 1+ million structures and 1TB of energy-force data
      • Identified 8 new stable structures redefining Li-Sn convex hulls
    • Stability analysis of superconducting LiBC compounds
      • Calculated Li chemical potential for delithiation conditions
      • Employed evolutionary optimization for Li2B2C configurations
    • Implementation of NPT barostat molecular dynamics module
      • Implemented NPT barostat in C for MAISE software package
      • Obtained thermal expansion coefficients within 10% of experimental values
  • 2020 - 2021
    Computational System Administrator
    Binghamton University
    • Administered two HPC Linux clusters with over 1,000 cores each
    • Installed and maintained Intel/GNU compilers, Python, VASP, ORCA, OpenMPI

Professional Experience

  • Oct 2017 - Apr 2018
    Back-end Developer
    Eleven Wireless, Portland, OR (remote)
    • Developed Python middle layer interfacing SQL databases and ElasticSearch
    • Deployed and maintained reporting project on AWS Linux instance
  • May 2017 - Feb 2018
    Junior Business Analyst
    TBC Bank, Tbilisi, Georgia
    • Constructed flow diagrams for ATMs in innovations team
    • Wrote system documentation within Scrum framework
  • May 2016 - Dec 2016
    Software Engineer Intern
    Bank of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
    • Learned software development foundations and problem-solving processes

Skills

  • Technical Skills
    • Machine Learning & Neural Networks: PyTorch, JAX
    • Programming: Python (pandas, NumPy, SciPy), C/C++, shell scripting
    • Materials Modeling: DFT (VASP, Gaussian), molecular dynamics
    • DevOps: Git, Docker, Linux system administration, SQL
  • Soft Skills
    • Presentation and written/verbal communication
    • Problem solving and ability to adopt new technologies
    • Teamwork and time management

Honors and Awards

  • 2025
    • Handshake AI Fellow, Handshake MOVE Program
  • 2022, 2023
    • Travel grant to present at APS March meeting, SUNY Binghamton
  • 2012
    • Merit-based tuition scholarship, Free University of Tbilisi
    • Bronze medal, 43rd International Physics Olympiad (Tallinn, Estonia)
    • Bronze medal in physics, 8th International Zhautykov Olympiad (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
  • 2011
    • Honorable mention, 42nd International Physics Olympiad (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • 2007, 2008, 2010
    • 1st place in national physics olympiad, Tbilisi, Georgia