Lecturer or Associate Lecturer, Physics

The Opportunity

The Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for two full-time, nine-month, benefits-eligible, non-tenure earning lecturer positions, anticipated to start in August 2026.

We anticipate that one will be a Lecturer, and one available at the Lecturer or Associate Lecturer level, based on experience. Each position is renewable annually, with the possibility of summer teaching assignments. We seek candidates to teach large-enrollment sections of introductory physics courses, introductory physical science and astronomy courses for a variety of majors, as well as upper-division undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy. The successful applicant is expected to demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and knowledge in curriculum and course design. Lecturers in the department typically have instructional duties and service assignments in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. Lecturers are encouraged to pursue independent research, including student research mentoring. Research, curriculum development, and other activities can reduce teaching assignments. There is a career path for lecturers with the possibility of promotion based on years of service and performance.

The Department of Physics
The UCF Department of Physics (https://sciences.ucf.edu/physics/) is at the heart of our nation’s SpaceU, offering a broad range of courses in physics, as well as in physics-related areas such as astronomy and planetary science, from general education physical sciences to advanced graduate-level topics. The department has ~60 full-time faculty members, and offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, including a master’s to Ph.D. bridge program, preparing students for a range of careers. The Physics department centers teaching and learning, and pedagogy-informed practices across lower and upper division courses. The department also has a strong STEM mission, engaging in outreach with the Central Florida community to increase scientific literacy and to attract K-12 students to careers in science.

UCF College of Sciences

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at UCF and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others. For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.

University of Central Florida

UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, is located in Orlando, Florida and is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation. For more information, visit http://www.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution at the time of application, and previous teaching experience at the college or university level.

For the associate lecturer position, candidates must also have demonstrated depth and breadth of teaching physics and/or astronomy courses, and at least five years of full-time teaching experience in a higher education institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large enrollment (100 – 300) courses.

• Experience with or demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate physics and/or astronomy courses.

• Experience with online and blended instructional methods, digital teaching and learning tools.

• Experience with undergraduate laboratory instruction.

• Involvement with pedagogy-based and active learning techniques.

• Experience mentoring students.

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:

• Curriculum vitae.

• Cover letter of interest.

• Statement of teaching philosophy, training, and experience (≤2 pages).

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.

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: Viatcheslav Kokoouline at slavako@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:

March 26, 2026

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. 

• Possible relocation expenses

• 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

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

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.