Research Assistant Scientist

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

This is a full-time, twelve-month, time-limited, non-tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Scientist in Integrated Photonics and Optomechanics under the supervision of Prof. Philip Feng.

About the Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida is a recognized leader in advancing solid-state devices, photonics, and nanotechnology. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is undergoing a major expansion in faculty, research, and facilities with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. In Fall 2023, UF opened Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for AI.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced experimental research in integrated photonics, optomechanics, and nanophotonics within Prof. Philip Feng's interdisciplinary research group.
• Design and characterize ultra-high-Q optomechanical resonators and integrate these systems with photonic integrated circuits.
• Execute sophisticated cleanroom fabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and dry etching processes.
• Prepare comprehensive scientific reports and publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Actively contribute to data curation, conceptualization, and the writing of federal, state, and foundation grant applications with the goal of transitioning toward principal investigator status.
• Provide daily supervision and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Drive collaborative efforts with academic partners and develop strategies to translate functional device research into practical applications.

Requirements

• PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in photonic device fabrication within cleanroom environments and rigorous optical testing methodologies.
• Specialized experience in the design and characterization of high-quality optical and optomechanical resonators.
• Strong proficiency in finite-element method (FEM) and related simulation software (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical) for analyzing complex electromagnetic field distributions in photonic devices and integrated circuits.
• Prior postdoctoral research experience, accompanied by a proven track record of high-impact publications and grant-writing capabilities.
• Demonstrated success in cross-institutional academic collaboration.

Additional Information

The anticipated start date for this position is Summer 2026. The selected candidate must provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).