Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, Scientist in Large Nonlinear Computational Dynamical Systems, College of 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 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 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 (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) 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 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.

Applications are invited for a position in computational nonlinear dynamics and large-scale numerical modeling of semiconductor laser arrays at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), University of Central Florida. Our research program investigates collective dynamics, synchronization, and self-organization in large arrays of coupled semiconductor diode lasers. The work combines experiments with computational and theoretical modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems with time-delayed interactions.

A major objective of this position is to develop and implement efficient numerical methods for increasingly large and complex systems of coupled nonlinear delay-differential equations (DDEs). Models range from arrays of single-mode semiconductor lasers described by Lang–Kobayashi-type equations to substantially larger multimode systems incorporating multiple optical modes, carrier dynamics, nonlinear interactions, heterogeneity, and delayed nonlocal coupling. As the number of lasers and optical modes increases, direct numerical simulation becomes computationally demanding. The successful candidate will therefore focus not only on physical modeling but also on developing, optimizing, and accelerating computational approaches capable of treating large laser networks efficiently.

The research scientist will contribute to several areas, including:

• 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

An important component of the project will be 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. The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of computational mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, high-performance computing, and experimental photonics. The research is closely connected with ongoing experiments involving large semiconductor diode laser arrays. This interaction provides an unusual opportunity for computational researchers to test theoretical and numerical predictions against experimentally observed collective dynamics. This position allows for opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving researchers in optics, photonics, nonlinear dynamics, applied mathematics, and computational science.

Semiconductor-laser experience is not required. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental researchers, and the necessary background in semiconductor laser physics and external-cavity laser systems can be developed as part of the project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• Strong programming skills are very important.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, Julia, MATLAB, CUDA, or a comparable scientific-computing environment is desirable.

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.
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant experimental experience.
• A list of publications
• List of three professional references with contact information

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:

This position is restricted to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents due to the nature of the research funding. All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

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.

The position is anticipated for at least two years, with continued appointment and possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted without an end date 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

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

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. 

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

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email onac@ucf.edu.