Research Assistant Scientist, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
This is a full-time, nine-month, time-limited, non-tenure-track research assistant scientist position in the Kidambi Research Group at the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
About the Role
The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic assistant research scientist to join an interdisciplinary team conducting fundamental research on nanoscale mass-transport. The group leverages atomically thin (2D) materials as model systems to probe nanoscale mass transport at extreme length scales, focusing on:
- Highly selective transport of sub-atomic/atomic/molecular species
- Fundamental insights into bottom-up synthesis of nanostructured materials for atomic-scale control
- Development of functional devices for energy and healthcare applications
The successful candidate will conduct experimental research, prepare scientific reports, publish in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to federal/state/foundation grant applications with the goal of progressing toward principal investigator status. The role includes day-to-day supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and collaboration with academic/industrial partners.
Requirements
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field (e.g., nanoscale transport phenomena)
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Post-doctoral experience
- High-impact peer-reviewed publications
- Experience with experimental research on nanomaterials and nanoscale transport
- Grant writing experience
Application Details
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2025, with the first full committee screening on January 5, 2026. The anticipated start date is February 2026.
For questions, contact Prof. Piran R. Kidambi at p.kidambi@ufl.edu.
The University of Florida is a top-ranked public university with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and research expansion. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is home to HiPerGator, the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education, and recently opened Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology.