Post Doctoral Scholar, Physics

University of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 52,200 - 63,800; Full time

Job summary

The Computational Materials for Energy Technologies (CoMET) group at the University of Central Florida seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to advance computational research in energy materials, focusing on electrocatalysis and battery technologies.

The appointment is initially for one year with potential renewal contingent on performance. The incumbent will perform DFT and MD simulations, develop machine‑learning models for interfaces, mentor students, and contribute to grants and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in catalysis, electrocatalysis, or battery technologies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform computational modeling using DFT, GC‑DFT, MD (AIMD, classical force fields, MLIP force fields).
• Develop machine-learning models for liquid-solid, solid-solid, and gas-solid interfaces.
• Analyze and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Manage collaborations with internal and external research teams.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to grant proposal development and preparation.

Skills

PyTorch

Machine learning

Python

Education

PhD in Physics/ Chemistry/ Materials Science/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

DFT

AIMD

MD simulations

MLIP

Job description

The Computational Materials for Energy Technologies (CoMET) group, led by Assistant Professor Duy Le in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct cutting‑edge research in materials for energy applications, focusing on electrocatalysis and battery technologies.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance. For additional information about this position, please contact Duy Le at [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Perform computational modeling using DFT, GC‑DFT, MD (AIMD, classical force fields, MLIP force fields)
• Develop machine‑learning models for liquid‑solid, solid‑solid, and gas‑solid interfaces.
• Analyze and disseminate research results through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Manage collaborations with other research teams (internal and external).
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to grant proposal development and preparation.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and/or battery technologies.
• Experience in molecular dynamics simulations, including AIMD.
• Experience with machine‑learning interatomic potentials.
• Strong programming experience with PyTorch for machine learning and scientific computing applications.

Application Materials

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, candidates should upload:

• CV/Resume
• One‑page statement summarizing candidate's expertise, experience, research interests, and suitability for the position (Times New Roman, 11pt, single‑spaced).
• Contact information for at least two professional references.

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

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 additional documents later.

Special Instructions

The Ph.D. must be conferred before the commencement of employment in the Postdoctoral Associate position at UCF.

Benefits

State benefits eligibility for OPS employees is 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 have no entitlement to paid time off.

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 one year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

Salary

$58,000.00 per year

Department

College of Sciences (COS) – Department of Physics

Work Schedule

Varies.

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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].