Research Assistant III

A Research/Technical Associate in UV Experimental Astrophysics position is available to work UV space instrumentation with Dr. Keri Hoadley in the Department of Astronomy.

Applications are invited for a Research Laboratory Technician position in research related to a variety of ultraviolet (UV) experimental astrophysics topics with Prof. Keri Hoadley’s UV Space Lab (HUSL) at the University of Florida (UF). HUSL engages in active research, development, testing, and qualification on cutting edge grating technologies for space-based platforms, designing/implementing novel UV suborbital and space instruments (suborbital, Pioneers, and Explorer-class), and are heavily involved in ground and space based science projects across a broad range of scientific topics, including, but not limited to: the circumgalactic and intergalactic media, the interstellar medium, planet-forming disks, star formation and massive star characteristics, and (non-)compact object mergers/collisions.

Our group seeks a qualified candidate to support current and planned technology development and space mission programs at UF. Applicants will gain hands-on experience with technology programs and spaceflight missions (FIREBall-2, Aspera), help develop and oversee maintenance protocols for HUSL’s newly renovated Class 1000+ laboratory spaces, and provide electrical design, fabrication, and testing support for HUSL’s future suborbital and space instrumentation programs. Applicants are encouraged to show strong problem-solving skills and creativity.  

Lab Development/Management

• Lead the development, maintenance, and operation of Hoadley’s UV Space Lab (HUSL), including the newly renovated Class 1000+ cleanroom facilities.
• Establish and implement laboratory protocols for safety, maintenance, and operational procedures, ensuring compliance with university and industry standards.
• Oversee the operation and upkeep of three space-certified cleanroom facilities, coordinating preventative maintenance schedules and ensuring all systems are functional and up to specifications.
• Monitor laboratory equipment performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and coordinate repairs or upgrades to maintain optimal research conditions.

Electrical Engineering 

• Provide critical mission support through electrical engineering expertise, including design, prototyping, testing, calibration, integration, and system-level testing.
• Develop electrical designs for HUSL’s suborbital and space instrumentation programs.
• Contribute to proposal development for space missions and ensure deliverables meet mission requirements.
• Oversee and conduct fabrication and testing of components for suborbital and space instrumentation programs.
• Design, prototype, and test electrical systems and components for HUSL’s suborbital and space instrumentation programs.
• Develop and implement calibration and integration procedures for mission-critical hardware and software.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure electrical systems meet design requirements and contribute to the successful execution of suborbital and space mission objectives.
• Provide fabrication and testing support for custom instrumentation, including assembly and verification of flight hardware.
• Contribute to NASA Astrophysics mission proposal development by drafting technical sections and integrating innovative electrical engineering solutions.

Research

• Conduct independent and collaborative observational astronomy research, contributing to the development of publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Train and mentor undergraduate research assistants, providing hands-on guidance in laboratory techniques, data collection, and analysis.
• Supervise research credit activities, ensuring students meet academic and research objectives.
• Organize laboratory meetings, coordinate research activities, and foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Other Duties 

• Support miscellaneous departmental and laboratory needs, including procurement, inventory management, and administrative tasks related to laboratory operations.
• Represent the lab and department in professional settings, including conferences, outreach events, and collaborative meetings with external partners.
• Assist with new initiatives, projects, and grant-funded activities as directed by the supervisor.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support departmental objectives.

UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 6^th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2023 rankings), and 1^st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey.

The City of Gainesville

Gainesville is a vibrant city with a low cost of living, diverse population, excellent public schools, Division I NCAA sports, and no state income tax. The area is known for its nature parks, bike trails, sporting events, museums, mild winters, and warm summers. Being centrally located makes Gainesville easily situated for day trip to beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and to theme parks including Disney World, and other cities include Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.

A master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated desire to participate in UV space instrumentation, technology development, and experimentation programs.

Experience with supporting space mission design, development, and execution for NASA Astrophysics suborbital/Pioneers mission (e.g., Aspera, SNOUT, UVIa), including proposal development efforts.

Experience and demonstrated leadership with laboratory management, maintenance, and protocol development.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position, and (2) a complete curriculum vitae.

Must have a MS degree in a STEM-related field (preferable Electrical Engineering). This position will be initially awarded for one year, and, contingent upon strong performance and conduct and availability of funds, may be renewed for up to three years.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m (E.T) of the posting date

This is a time-limited position.