Assistant Research Professor in Solar and Hydrogen Smart Power and Energy Systems

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’s (UCF) Florida Solar Energy Center (https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/ ) is looking for a full-time, 12 month, non-tenure earning  assistant research professor to carry out research in Integration of Hydrogen Production and Consumption for Improved Utility Operations. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and its hydrogen 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.  

FSEC is seeking a qualified research faculty member with experience in power and energy systems operation, planning, and optimization from both utility and industry  perspectives. Grid integration and high-level modelling of hydrogen systems (i.e., electrolyzer, compressor, storage tank, stationary fuel cells, hydrogen fueling stations), grid-connected renewables and storage systems, power market design for increasing renewable energy penetration on both sides of the meter, cyber-physical system resilience analysis for integrated energy systems are the areas of interest. In addition, knowledge of modeling and optimization (in Python, Matlab, etc.) is desired. The research at FSEC involves interaction with external partners including industry and government to establish demonstration projects including hydrogen production and consumption as a grid asset to improve its reliability and flexibility under high penetration of renewable energy. Research collaboration opportunities include dynamic modeling and optimization of electrolyzers/fuel cells, development of integrated hydrogen system for multiple applications such as PV smoothing, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) refueling station design and stationary fuel cell power applications, and energy system-level analysis and optimization to support utility for improving utility operation in both normal and emergency scenarios.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D., terminal degree, or foreign degree equivalent from an accredited institution in electrical power engineering, and minimum one (1) year postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent) at the time of appointment are required. 

An excellent publication record in the field of required expertise, knowledge of modeling and optimization (in Python, Matlab, etc.), and very good command of spoken and written English along with effective communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated strong background in several of the following areas are preferred:

• Hydrogen system operation, planning, and optimization in integrated power and energy systems,

• Hydrogen market analysis/design for energy transition period, modelling and grid integration renewable energy and energy storage, cyber-physical resilience of power and energy systems including distributed energy resources.

• An excellent publication record in the field of required expertise, knowledge of modeling and optimization (in Python, Matlab, etc.), and very good command of spoken and written English along with very good communication skills are required.

A history of team-based inter/multi-disciplinary research is considered an asset.

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.