Research Assistant Professor; Research Associate Professor; or Research Professor, Townes Institute Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (TISTEF)

The Opportunity

The Townes Institute Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (TISTEF) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a multi-disciplinary scientific facility under the Office of Research. TISTEF is part of a larger effort on directed energy at UCF, through the Center for Directed Energy Systems, Science, and Technology (C-DESST).

An outdoor field lab located within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, TISTEF engages in research covering all aspects of Directed Energy including: optics and photonics, atmospherics, remote sensing, lasers, optical fibers, integrated photonics, nonlinear and quantum optics, guidance systems, artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, imaging, sensing and display - to name a few. TISTEF collaborates with many national and international laboratories and defense agencies.

Access to labs requires traveling over rough, uneven terrain or climbing flights of stairs.Located near Kennedy Space Center, an hour drive from the UCF Main Campus, TISTEF is seeking a highly motivated research faculty to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge research projects, develop and lead new projects, seek external funding, collaborate with experts in various fields, publish research papers, provide high-quality training for students, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This position is a full-time 12-month non-teaching, non-tenured, research position. As an ideal candidate, you should possess a strong background in areas related to TISTEF research interest, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a diverse team as well as independently. The facility offers competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic working environment. Apply now to join our innovative research community!

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a discipline appropriate to this position at the time of the appointment. This includes but is not limited to candidates with degrees in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics and Photonics, or other closely related disciplines relevant to TISTEF research by the start of the appointment.

• A strong track record of demonstrated ability to conduct research.

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  Years of relevant experience:

  
  
  
  

  • For research assistant professor position: Two (2) years.

  • For research associate professor: Four (4) years.

  • For research professor: Six (6) years.

  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• An exceptional record of scholarly research in one or more of the targeted technical areas of TISTEF related to Directed Energy is highly desirable.

• Strong communication skills and a history of working as an independent scientist and in a team environment, especially ones that span multiple disciplines.

• A record of scientific publications and experience in applying for external funding.

• Ability to partner with external and internal stakeholders on projects and funding proposals.

• A postdoctoral experience or equivalent industry experience in a related research area(s).

• 
  

  Years of relevant experience:

  
  
  
  

  • For research assistant professor: Four (4) years.

  • For research associate professor: Six (6) years.

  • For research professor: Eight (8) years.

  
  
  
  

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.In addition to the online application, candidates should upload a:

• Cover letter

• Separate statement, or describe in their cover letter, how their field of research would complement the activities of TISETF

• Current curriculum vitae

• List with contact information for three (3) professional references.

• 3-page research statement, including possible sources of funding for the research

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.

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.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Gian-Karlo Alvarez, HR Business Partner II, at Gian-Karlo.Alvarez@ucf.edu, 407-882-0204.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to attain security clearance is required due to contract requirements and the nature of the research site.

• This position is intended to be funded by contracts and grants within three years and will contingent upon available funding.

• This role requires physical presence the at TISTEF field facility located at the Kennedy Space Center.

• This role requires the ability to stand on your feet and wear steel-toe boots and a hard hat for long periods of time.

• This role requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and overnight activities.

• This role may assign and/or monitor work of other staff, student workers, or Graduate Assistants.

• Position screening is scheduled to begin February 2025.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as 'Open until filled' may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

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 collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options.

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment.

• And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets. Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President's Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.