Research Assistant Scientist

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

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida (UF) is soliciting applications for 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, the Wally Rhines Endowed Professor of Quantum Engineering, in Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and a Graduate Faculty Professor in Department of Physics at UF.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida is a recognized leader in advancing solid-state devices, photonics, and nanotechnology. For more information about the department, please visit https://www.ece.ufl.edu/.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant Scientist will conduct advanced experimental research in integrated photonics, optomechanics, and nanophotonics within Prof. Philip Feng’s interdisciplinary research group. The primary focus will be on utilizing emerging wide-bandgap materials and novel architectures to investigate light-matter interactions and optomechanical phenomena at extreme device scaling limits. Key technical duties include designing and characterizing ultra-high-Q optomechanical resonators, integrating these systems with photonic integrated circuits, and executing sophisticated cleanroom fabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and dry etching processes.

The successful candidate will prepare comprehensive scientific reports and publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. A critical component of this role involves actively contributing to data curation, conceptualization, and the writing of federal, state and foundation grant applications, with the strategic goal of transitioning toward principal investigator status. Additionally, the candidate will 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.

Commensurate with education and experience

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

• 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

This is a time-limited position.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, with the first full committee screening occurring on September 1, 2026, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/. (Job 540804) 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. A personal research program vision statement detailing short-and long-term goals. The anticipated start date for this position is Summer 2026. For further questions, please contact Prof. Philip Feng at philip.feng@ufl.edu.

The University of Florida (UF) is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities. UF is home to HiPerGator, the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education, and 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.

For more information about college initiatives, visit eng.ufl.edu

Additional Requirements

• The selected candidate must provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Transcripts marked “Issued to Student” will not be considered official.
• 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).

Additional Information

The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of faculty, students and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive. 

• If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).
• Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
• All searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.

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