Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Opportunity

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for full-time, 9-month tenure-earning assistant professor or tenured associate professor faculty position with an expected start date of August 8, 2026.

We seek visionary scholars whose research tackles fundamental and emerging challenges in robotics and embodied intelligence, including but not limited to robot learning, physical AI, cognitive robotics, embodied AI agents, and human-centered robotics.

This position presents an exceptional opportunity to join a rapidly growing and collaborative robotics ecosystem at UCF. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing UCF’s new Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, launched in Fall 2024, and contribute to shaping the university’s expanding research portfolio in autonomy, artificial intelligence, and human–machine systems.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a strong record of scholarly excellence, as evidenced by impactful publications and innovative contributions, and who show clear potential to build and sustain an externally funded research program. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to high-quality teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to collaborate across disciplines to strengthen UCF’s leadership in robotics and intelligent systems research.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with experience and academic achievements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other closely related disciplines at the time of appointment. Applicants must have a strong research track record supported by quality publications. 

To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate professor. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Past work experience in a national lab and/or industry are desired. A demonstrated record of teaching or training experience is of interest. 

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 the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

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.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Professor Yaser Fallah at yaser.fallah@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

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

College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

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

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.