Research Associate Professor, NanoScience Technology

CHEManager International; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Ins.

Paid time off

Retirement savings

Employee discounts

Education assistance

Flexible work environment

Job summary

The NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a non-tenure-earning, Research Associate Professor position. This is a 12-month 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support sponsored research projects.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to development of proposals for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, NIH, and DOD).
• Collaborate across UCF and external partners.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Grant writing

Publication record

Education

Ph.D. in physics, chemistry or related field

Job description

The NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a non-tenure-earning, Research Associate Professor position. This is a 12-month 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 peer‑reviewed 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.

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 [e-mail].

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 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.

Department

Office of Research - Nanoscience Technology Center (NTC) - Operations CG

Work Schedule

varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

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.

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

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