Research Associate Professor, NanoScience Technology

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** The Opportunity
** The Nano Science 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.
** 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.
** 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

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 .
** Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is…