The Opportunity
The Office of Research, Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor in Photovoltaic Module Reliability and Durability to carry out research in the area(s) of photovoltaic (PV) module reliability and durability, PV system data analysis, and material characterization. This is a 12-month, non-tenure earning, Research Assistant Professor position located at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, Florida with an anticipated start date in the Fall of 2025. 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 with experience in applied research at the cell, module, and system level to better understand reliability and durability challenges and then develop appropriate solutions. That includes filed testing, time-series data analysis, PV module and materials characterization.
This is a full-time 12-month, non-tenure earning research assistant professor position and the research faculty will be expected to write research proposals, lead and support externally funded projects, establish collaborations, mentor researchers and students, and disseminate research results in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, or foreign degree equivalent, from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Physics or Engineering.
A minimum of two (2) years postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent) at the time of appointment is required.
Prior work experience in solar PV systems, material characterization and reliability studies are required.
Candidates must have demonstrated a proven record of accomplishment in high-quality research, as reflected in high-impact publications and the potential to build a sustainable, externally funded research program.
Preferred Qualifications:
A history of team-based inter/multi-disciplinary research is considered an asset, particularly work on externally funded projects (e.g., U.S. Department of Energy) and projects involving diverse institutions (e.g., universities, national laboratories, and companies).
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A strong background in a number of the following areas is preferred:
Physics of semiconductors.
PV module characterization (Current-Voltage (IV) curve, Dark IV, Electroluminescence (EL), UV-Fluorescence imaging (UVF), Infrared (IR) imaging).
Material characteristics (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
Polymer materials.
PV field system data analysis (time-series data analysis with JMP software and /or Python).
Accelerated ageing procedures (IEC standards).
PV module failure modes.
Corrosion.
Strong communications skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary, collaborative environments.
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, 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.
The curriculum vitae should be submitted on the “My Experience” page. The other three application documents (cover letter, research statement, and contact information for three professional references) should be submitted where it says, “Upload any additional application requirements listed in the job posting.” Please be sure to submit all four required application documents. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Colleen Kettles, Director FSEC, ckettles@fsec.ucf.edu , (321) 638-1004.
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
The position is a 12-month, non-tenure earning, Research Assistant Professor position located at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, Florida. This is a contract and grant (C&G) funded position.
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 gain experience, 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
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
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.
