Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scholar Scientist in 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 scholar scientist, to teach in the College of Optics. This position is located at the UCF main campus with an anticipated start date in Fall 2026 no later than 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 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 Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (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 www.creol.ucf.edu.

The Semiconductor Diode Laser Group, led by Dr. Yehuda Braiman, are studying how to coherently phase- and frequency-lock coupled arrays of semiconductor diode lasers for coherent beam combining. Beam combining is required for a wide variety of applications, including directed energy, optical communications, optical sensing, and many others. The output power of a single diode laser is often insufficient for many applications, therefore coherently phase-locking and beam-combining diode laser arrays may be of merit. Since diode lasers are inherently nonlinear, achieving synchronization in large arrays of coupled nonlinear lasers remains a significant and not yet entirely resolved challenge. We investigate diode laser arrays operating at a range of wavelengths, including the near-infrared and blue spectral regions, using both single-mode and broad-area emitters. In addition, we study the effects of parameter heterogeneity on the phase-locking performance of diode laser arrays, with a particular emphasis on disorder-promoted synchronization.

A prospective candidate will:

• Take part in, and lead experiments conducted by our group and will 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 and presenting their research in scientific meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

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. Yehuda Braiman at yehuda.braiman@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

On March 10, 2026, UCF received clarification that the current State moratorium on H‑1B visas applies not only to new sponsorships but also to H‑1B transfers into the institution. This means we are unable to process transfers for individuals currently holding H‑1B status with other employers. UCF will share updates as soon as State guidance changes or additional details become available.

This is a Contract & Grants (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

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 click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.