Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scholar Scientist in Optics and Photonics
About The Position
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking a 12-month, non-tenure earning Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scholar Scientist to teach in the College of Optics. This position is located at the UCF main campus and is anticipated to start in Fall 2026, no later than Spring 2027. UCF is a rapidly growing university with increasing external research funding, academic stature, and student and faculty populations. The university supports and benefits from the economic growth in Central Florida, which is becoming a major hub for technology development. The university is situated in the metropolitan Orlando area, offering a vibrant lifestyle with diverse cultural and recreational activities. CREOL is a leading institution for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering, offering MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering. Faculty engage in fundamental and applied research in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing, and displays. The college houses the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST). Additionally, the College of Medicine, including the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, offers opportunities for collaboration. The Semiconductor Diode Laser Group, led by Dr. Yehuda Braiman, focuses on coherently phase- and frequency-locking coupled arrays of semiconductor diode lasers for coherent beam combining, essential for applications like directed energy, optical communications, and optical sensing. The group investigates diode laser arrays across various wavelengths and emitter types, exploring the effects of parameter heterogeneity and disorder on phase-locking performance.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Optics or a related field, such as Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry
- At least three years of experience conducting experimental research involving optical systems, semiconductor diode lasers and diode laser arrays.
Nice To Haves
- Extensive knowledge of nonlinear dynamics and scientific computing, including the ability to develop computational models and write simulation codes for the dynamics of semiconductor diode laser arrays in external cavity.
- Experience with theoretical and numerical models of coupled diode laser arrays.
- Strong publication record in the field of semiconductor diode lasers, with demonstrated expertise in the phase-locking of diode laser arrays.
Responsibilities
- Take part in, and lead experiments conducted by our group.
- Design, build, and perform new experiments aimed at improving phase- and frequency-locking and beam combining of diode laser arrays.
- Develop computational models and run simulation codes for the dynamics of semiconductor diode laser arrays in external cavity.
- Take part in writing scientific manuscripts.
- Present their research in scientific meetings and conferences.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
