Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. The Opportunity The NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a nontenureearning, Research Associate Professor position. This is a 12month C&G funded position with an anticipated start date of December 4, 2026. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic research program in atomic, molecular, and optical sciences (AMOS), with a focus on nanoscale imaging and ultrafast spectroscopy of molecular aggregates in quantum plasmonic junctions. Responsibilities include leading and supporting sponsored research projects, publishing in peerreviewed journals, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and contributing to the development of proposals for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, NIH, and DOD). This position emphasizes research excellence and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams across UCF and with external partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in physics, chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution. Demonstrated record of scholarly publications. Experience in grant writing or participation in funded research. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Years of experience in a research position: Four (4) years

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience performing research tasks: Six (6) years Proven success in securing external funding. Experience with AFM, Raman spectroscopy, TERS, TEPL, nanofabrication. Experience mentoring students or junior researchers. Ability to work in interdisciplinary research environments.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following: A curriculum vitae. A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE:

Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later. The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials. Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr. Lei Zhai at lzhai@ucf.edu. Special Instructions to the

Applicants:

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer. This position is funded by contracts and grants and is contingent upon available funding.

Job Close Date:

10/13/2026 Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential? As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and ...For full information see follow application link. As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at: http://eeo.ucf.edu/documents/PresidentsStatement.pdf. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.