Research Assistant Professor in Integration of Applied Catalyst with Industrial Technologies

The Opportunity

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Florida Solar Energy Center (https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/ ) is looking for a 12-month non-tenure earning research assistant professor to carry out research in Integration of Applied Catalysis with Industrial Technologies. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and its catalysis laboratories are located in Cocoa, Florida.  FSEC is an energy research center of the University of Central Florida (, main campus in Orlando). Since 1975, FSEC has conducted fundamental and systems-level research in solar energy, hydrogen production, fuel cells, energy storage, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient buildings. FSEC has been expanding research areas to renewable chemicals and is seeking a faculty candidate in the area of applied catalysis, who is knowledgeable in wide range of thermal or electrochemical driven catalytic processes for decarbonizing the energy industry. The areas of interest include but not limited to:

• Methane and syngas conversion from stranded sources;

• Application of renewable methanol;

• Chemicals for hydrogen storage and transportation;

• Synthesis of renewable aviation fuels;

• Electrochemical Hydrogen production and consumption.

The candidate will work closely with FESC’s industry partner and the Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformations (REACT) cluster on higher TRL technologies to tackle pitfalls during upscaling and bridge lab technologies to real applications at industrial scale.  The ideal candidate will work at the intersection of the relevant research areas associated with the aforementioned themes. They are expected to have research impact, as reflected in high-quality publications, and the ability to sustain research program and spark new collaborations and partnerships to launch and scale research and business ventures. The candidate is also given the opportunity to re-design the layout of the wet lab, dry lab and hydrogen lab at FSEC to improve the workflow of research activities.  

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D., terminal degree, or foreign degree equivalent, from an accredited institution in chemical engineering or chemistry, and a minimum of 2 years postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent).  

Preferred Qualifications:

A history of team-based inter/multi-disciplinary research is considered an asset. Demonstrated strong background in several of the following areas are preferred: inorganic catalyst synthesis and characterizations, thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, manufacture of membrane-electrode-assemblies, liquid and gas phase flow cell reactors, in-situ or post-reaction analysis of catalysts, organic product analysis, lifecycle assessment (LCA), techno economic analysis (TEA), research grant writing. A good understanding of the needs of industrial partners, and very good command of spoken and written English along with very good communication skills are preferred.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents 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 a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, a research statement, and a list with contact information for three (3) professional references.

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.

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.

Questions regarding this search can be directed to Dr. James Fenton at [email protected] or (321) 298-9303.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This is a 12-month, non-tenure earning research appointment that is engaged primarily in research and primarily supported by C&G funding. 

This position is funded by contracts and grants and is intended to renew annually, contingent upon available funding.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled ’ 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

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.