Post Doctoral Scholar, Chemistry

University of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Central Florida (UCF) chemistry department invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The initial appointment is for one year with renewal possible based on funding and progress.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with Dr. Shengli Zou to conduct advanced computational chemistry research focusing on nanophotonics, quantum mechanics, and ML-assisted modeling. Responsibilities include manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant reporting.

Qualifications

• A doctorate in computational chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution by time of hire is required.
• Strong background in theoretical and computational chemistry.
• Proficiency in relevant software, operating system, and programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Shengli Zou).
• Conduct advanced computational chemistry research with a focus on nanophotonics, quantum mechanics, and machine learning–assisted modeling and simulations.
• Prepare manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with writing grant reports.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

Theoretical chemistry

Computational chemistry

Software proficiency

Programming languages

Operating systems

Education

Doctorate in computational chemistry

Job description

The Opportunity (Job description):

The University of Central Florida (UCF) chemistry department in the College of Sciences (COS) seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar. The initial appointment will be for one year and may be renewed based on the availability of funding and satisfactory progress on the research project.

Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Scholar will:

• Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Shengli Zou).
• Conduct advanced computational chemistry research with a focus on nanophotonics, quantum mechanics, and machine learning–assisted modeling and simulations.
• Prepare manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with writing grant reports.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications :

A doctorate in computational chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution by time of hire is required. Strong background in theoretical and computational chemistry. Proficiency in relevant software, operational system, and programming languages.

Preferred Qualifications :

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated significant contributions in computational chemistry, nanoscience, nanotechnology, catalysis, and/or sensing. Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in Machine learning.

Additional Application Materials Required:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter with research interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references, with at least two being academic references (including their positions/titles, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers).

The selected candidate will be required to submit documentation verifying the conferral of their qualifying PhD degree or equivalent academic credential.

N OTE:

When applying, please have all your documents ready to upload at the same time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Benefits of the position include:

Competitive salary and benefits package, with a starting salary of $57,000. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and career development. The appointment is renewable based on mutual agreement and the availability of funding. UCF provides a vibrant and inclusive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Interested candidates may contact Dr. Shengli Zou at [e-mail] for more information about the application process. Application review will begin on September 1st, and the position will remain open until filled. The expected start date is after October 1, 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 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.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

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.

Department

College of Sciences (COS) - Department of Chemistry

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Expected Salary

$57,000.00

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

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

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [e-mail].

For general application or posting questions, please email [e-mail].