Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scholar Scientist in Optics and Photonics

About the Role

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr. Yehuda Braiman at yehuda.braiman@ucf.edu.

Additional Information

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.