Research Assistant Professor, Florida Solar Energy Center

The Opportunity

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, Florida, (https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/) is seeking multiple qualified research faculty member with research experience in the following areas: solar photovoltaic systems, building energy management and control systems, energy storage, electric vehicle charging, power electronics,  and device communication protocols. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure earning research assistant professor position focused on carrying out research in grid-integration control systems. Research includes solar photovoltaics (PV), energy storage, electric vehicles (EV), and their systemic integration with the electricity grid.

The research faculty will carry out both experimental and systems modeling research and be expected to write research proposals and manage research contracts.  Opportunities for research collaboration with FSEC faculty are expected in modeling and simulation of building to utility-scale PV systems, development of grid integration control systems, macro-economic analysis, and energy system analysis and optimization to improve energy operation in both normal and emergency scenarios.  

FSEC is an energy research center of the University of Central Florida (UCF), whose main campus is in Orlando. Since 1975, FSEC has conducted fundamental and systems-level applications research in solar energy, energy-efficient buildings, hydrogen production, fuel cells, energy storage, and electric vehicles. FSEC research facilities are located in Cocoa, Florida.

Minimum Qualifications:

Terminal degree, or foreign degree equivalent, from an accredited institution in engineering or computer science and a minimum of two (2) years postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications:

A history of team-based inter/multi-disciplinary research is considered an asset. Demonstrated strong background, field experience, and capabilities in a number of the following areas is preferred:

Solar PV systems, PV inverter systems, energy management systems, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging systems, power electronics, data acquisition systems, instrumentation systems, and device communication protocols. Programming skills in Python, and modeling skills in EnergyPlus and MATLAB are also preferred.

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 a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, a research statement, 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 at jfenton@fsec.ucf.edu or (321) 298-9303.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

These are contract and grant (C&G) funded positions.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled

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.

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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.