Assistant Research Professor in Photovoltaic Module Characterization

Unleash Your Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institution, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of our mission to become a university for the future. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck.

The Opportunity

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has established the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to strengthen its academic offerings and research energy technologies. In support of this effort, we are hiring a full-time, 12-month assistant research professor (non-tenure earning) to conduct research in the area(s) of photovoltaic (PV) module characterization and PV reliability and durability. This includes securing external funding, leading and supporting externally funded projects, mentoring researchers and students, and disseminating results in peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings. Prior work experience in PV characterization and reliability is required. The ideal candidate will work at the intersection of materials science, electrical engineering, physics, and data science.

FSEC and its laboratories are located in Cocoa, Florida.  FSEC is an energy research center of UCF (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. For more information about FSEC, please visit our website at https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/ .

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a related discipline and minimum two years of experience (or equivalent) at the time of appointment.
Prior work experience in PV characterization and reliability is required.
Candidates must have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in high-quality research as reflected in high-impact publications. Candidates must also demonstrate potential to build a sustainable, externally funded research program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing and using state-of-the-art measurement techniques for PV modules is strongly preferred, including illuminated current-voltage, Suns-Voc, electroluminescence imaging, photoluminescence imaging, IR imaging, and UV fluorescence imaging. Additionally, applying these techniques to understand degradation mechanisms in PV modules would also be valuable for this position.

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, candidates should upload a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, 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, Director, [email protected] , or 321-298-9303.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure earning position.

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 Benefits Important to You?

Working at UCF has its perks!  In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual leave (12-month faculty) and sick leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando area attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.

And more…For more benefits information, go to ‘Prospective Employees’ on the UCF Human Resources website (https://hr.ucf.edu/ ).

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger , and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 240 degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 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 higher education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to employment in research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty positions (including employed visiting positions), graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral scholar positions, and undergraduate positions.

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.