Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry Research

The Opportunity

The Office of Research-Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a Research Associate in Analytical Chemistry to spearhead cutting-edge research at the intersection of fundamental science and real-world industrial applications. This is a 12-month, non-tenure earning, Research Associate position located at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, Florida with anticipated start date in the Summer of 2025. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative work in analytical chemistry, collaborating closely with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and advancing technologies critical for the energy, chemical processing, and environmental sectors.

The role emphasizes the development of novel methods for industrial-scale applications, aiming to bridge laboratory research with industrial and commercial energy sector needs. The position will also involve significant collaboration with industry partners, helping to translate research breakthroughs into sustainable technologies in energy production, chemical processing, and environmental monitoring.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of both academic research and practical applications in analytical chemistry and energy technologies, while contributing to UCF’s continued leadership in scientific innovation.

This is an exciting chance to work at the intersection of academia and industry, advancing the scaling of innovations from the lab to the commercial sector. The position also offers the opportunity to shape the direction of FSEC’s research infrastructure to support future advancements in renewable energy and chemical technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead research and development in advanced analytical methods for industrial applications, with a focus on energy, chemical processing, and environmental monitoring, to support the scaling of sustainable technologies.
Apply analytical chemistry to facilitate the integration of renewable energy technologies and chemical transformations, collaborating with industry partners to drive the commercialization of innovations.
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability in analytical testing, following established SOPs and industry standards.
Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for analytical testing, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and best practices across the team.
Assist in auditing activities and take corrective and preventive actions to ensure ongoing UCF EH&S regulatory compliance and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience working at the intersection of analytical chemistry and industrial or applied research.
Proven track record of high-quality publications in analytical chemistry or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in the development and application of advanced analytical techniques such as liquid or gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry.
Knowledge of energy systems, renewable energy technologies, or chemical transformations and their analytical requirements.
Experience in collaborating with industry partners to address challenges in applied research and development.
Demonstrated ability to secure external funding for research and development projects.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary, collaborative environments.
Ability to lead and contribute to the design and optimization of laboratory facilities and workflows.

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, 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 should be directed to: Dr. James Fenton, Director FSEC, jfenton@fsec.ucf.edu, (321) 638-1002.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The position is a 12 month, non-tenure earning, Research Associate 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 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

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.”

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

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