Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Opportunity (Job description):

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Physics department in the College of Sciences (COS) seeks to hire Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the computational catalysis laboratory led by Prof. Kattel.

We seek candidates with experience in developing and using machine learning potentials (combined with DFT) to study the behavior of catalysts under reaction conditions is ideal. Independence, creativity, and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities:

 The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will perform: 

• First principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to obtain atomic level understanding of heterogenous catalytic reactions.
• Develop kinetic models such as kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations, microkinetic modeling (MKM) to obtain reaction kinetics at experimental reaction conditions.
• Develop and employ machine learning (ML) methods to design catalysts for application in thermal and electrocatalysis.
• Analyze data and write manuscript for publication in high impact journals.
• Collaborate with other group members.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field, and demonstrated expertise and experience in the development and application of computational methods such as density functional theory (DFT), kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations, microkinetic modeling, and machine learning (ML) to obtain a fundamental understanding of heterogeneous electro/thermo-catalytic reactions on surfaces and interfaces. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in computational modeling of catalytic reactions using DFT, KMC, MKM and ML methods

Additional Application Materials Required:

 UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.  In addition to the online application, candidates should upload:

• CV/Resume
• 3 professional references with contact information

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: When applying, please have all your documents ready to upload at the same time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

 None

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.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.  OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off. 

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

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.