RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL SCIENTIST

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, time-limited, 12-month, non-tenure track Research Assistant/Associate/Full Scientist, in the area of plasma physics and magnetic fusion. Initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment anticipated based on funding and performance.

We are seeking a Research Scientist specializing in plasma physics to join our team. In this role, you will:

• Develop and refine models to understand and predict the behavior of plasmas near the wall of a tokamak device.
• Focus on the description of processes such as plasma sourcing, wall recycling, and transport losses.
• Apply these models to solve problems related to plasma detachment and the prevention of damage during instability events.
• Work on creating advanced models to manage the heat and power from plasmas to protect the device’s walls from damage.
• Share your research results by publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at professional conferences.

The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 7^th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, which ranks 3^rd among university supercomputers in the nation. In addition, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is currently implementing a major expansion of faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI.

The Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000 sq feet facility that serves as the hub for Artificial Intelligence, opened in Fall 2023.
The College will reach 300 faculty members this year. For more information about our college initiatives, please visit http://eng.ufl.edu.

University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience

Ph.D. in plasma physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:  Ideal applicants should possess a strong background in one or more of the following areas: 

• Edge tokamak simulation.
• Collisional-radiative modeling of fusion edge plasmas.
• Strong background in code development

This is a time-limited position.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply through UFCareers via https://jobs.hr.ufl.edu/ - Job #536771. (The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas) 2. Curriculum vitae (including a 1-page CV highlights) 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. Research Statement (including identification of any current synergies with UF and project). The anticipated start date for this position is October 1^st, 2025. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. For further questions, please contact Chris McDevitt (cmcdevitt@ufl.edu).

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

If accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.