Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scientist in Experimental Optics, College of Optics and Photonics

The Opportunity The University of Central Florida (UCF) is looking for a 12-month, non-tenure earning assistant scientist, associate scientist, or scientist, to conduct research in the College of Optics and Photonics. This position is located at the UCF main campus with an anticipated start date in Spring 2027. UCF is undergoing rapid growth in the size of external research funding, academic stature, and student and faculty groups.

UCF supports and benefits from economic growth in Central Florida, which is emerging as a major hub for technology development. The University is located in the metropolitan Orlando area, which offers a vibrant lifestyle and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.

CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering. The College offers MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty engages in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing, and displays.

The college is home to the CREOL, Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), and Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST). In addition, the College of Medicine, which includes the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, provides rich opportunities for collaboration. For more information see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .The ideal candidate will work with the Semiconductor Diode Laser Group ( https://

) to participate in research in experimental optics. Our research focuses on large, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays, with particular emphasis on external-cavity coupling, phase locking, coherent beam combining, and the collective dynamics of coupled laser systems. Current projects explore the emergence and control of synchronization, spatial and temporal coherence, and the other collective states in large arrays of coupled semiconductor lasers.

The research combines advanced optical experiments with theoretical and computational modeling of nonlinear laser dynamics.

We are seeking a highly motivated researchers with strong experimental expertise in free-space optics, beam propagation, and semiconductor laser systems. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of advanced optical and photonic experimental platforms involving semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

Strong hands-on experience with free-space optical systems, including optical alignment, optimization, and troubleshooting.

Solid understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, diffraction, focusing, imaging, and optical beam characterization.

Experience working with semiconductor lasers, laser sources, and associated optical components.

Demonstrated ability to independently align, characterize, and optimize complex free-space optical steps involving lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, spatial filters, detectors, and related instrumentation.

Experience with optical diagnostics, experimental data acquisition, and analysis is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with the dynamics and modeling of semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.

Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, or nonlinear systems.

Additional Application Materials

Required:

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