Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, Scientist in Large Nonlinear Computational Dynamical Systems, 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. This position is located at the UCF main campus with an anticipated start date in Spring 2027. UCF is a rapidly growing institution with significant external research funding, academic stature, and a diverse student and faculty body. The university is situated in the metropolitan Orlando area, which offers a vibrant lifestyle and numerous cultural and recreational activities. CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is a leading institution in optical and photonic science and engineering, offering degrees in optics and photonics and engaging in fundamental and applied research. The college is home to several institutes and centers, including FPCE, TLI, and iFAST, and collaborates with the College of Medicine. The research program focuses on computational nonlinear dynamics and large-scale numerical modeling of semiconductor laser arrays, investigating collective dynamics, synchronization, and self-organization in large arrays of coupled semiconductor diode lasers. The work integrates experiments with computational and theoretical modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems with time-delayed interactions. A key objective is to develop and implement efficient numerical methods for complex systems of coupled nonlinear delay-differential equations, ranging from single-mode to multimode semiconductor laser arrays. The role involves optimizing and accelerating computational approaches for large laser networks, focusing on numerical integration, modeling, code optimization, parallel computing, HPC, GPU acceleration, and scalable algorithm development. A significant aspect of the project is determining how numerical algorithms and simulation codes can be redesigned for improved computational speed while maintaining accuracy and stability. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of computational mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, high-performance computing, and experimental photonics, with close ties to ongoing experiments. Interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in optics, photonics, nonlinear dynamics, applied mathematics, and computational science is encouraged. Experience with semiconductor lasers is not required, as the necessary background can be developed on the job.

Requirements

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong programming skills are very important.

Nice To Haves

• Strong experience in one or more of the following: Numerical methods for ordinary and delay-differential equations.
• Scientific computing and numerical analysis
• Large-scale dynamical systems
• High-performance computing
• Parallel numerical algorithms
• GPU computing
• Experience with C/C++, Python, Julia, MATLAB, CUDA, or a comparable scientific-computing environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Numerical integration of large systems of nonlinear delay-differential equations
• Modeling of single-mode and multimode semiconductor laser arrays
• Optimization and acceleration of existing simulation codes
• Parallel computing and high-performance computing (HPC)
• GPU acceleration, where appropriate
• Development of scalable numerical algorithms for systems containing large numbers of lasers and optical modes
• Determining how numerical algorithms and existing stimulation codes can be redesigned or optimized to achieve substantial improvements in computational speed while preserving numerical accuracy and stability.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending
• 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