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

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking a 12-month, non-tenure earning assistant scientist, associate scientist, or scientist to conduct research in the College of Optics and Photonics at its main campus. This position is anticipated to start in Spring 2027. UCF is a rapidly growing institution with increasing external research funding, academic stature, and diverse faculty and student groups, benefiting from the technological growth in the Orlando metropolitan area. CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is a leading institution in optical and photonic science and engineering, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees and engaging in fundamental and applied research. The college houses several institutes and offers collaboration opportunities with the College of Medicine. The ideal candidate will join the Semiconductor Diode Laser Group, focusing on research in experimental optics, specifically large, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays. Research areas include external-cavity coupling, phase locking, coherent beam combining, and the collective dynamics of coupled laser systems, with current projects investigating synchronization, spatial and temporal coherence, and collective states in coupled semiconductor lasers. The research integrates advanced optical experiments with theoretical and computational modeling of nonlinear laser dynamics. The role requires a strong experimental background in free-space optics, beam propagation, and semiconductor laser systems, contributing to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of experimental platforms.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
• Must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with optical diagnostics, experimental data acquisition, and analysis is desirable.
• Familiarity with the dynamics and modeling of semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.
• Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, or nonlinear systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research in experimental optics within the Semiconductor Diode Laser Group.
• Conduct research focusing on large, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays, including external-cavity coupling, phase locking, coherent beam combining, and collective dynamics.
• Explore the emergence and control of synchronization, spatial and temporal coherence, and other collective states in large arrays of coupled semiconductor lasers.
• Combine advanced optical experiments with theoretical and computational modeling of nonlinear laser dynamics.
• Contribute to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of advanced optical and photonic experimental platforms involving semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.
• Work with free-space optics, beam propagation, and semiconductor laser systems.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree