RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL SCIENTIST

PhD in physics or a closely related field at time of appointment.

The Materials Science Department in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida is soliciting applications for a full-time, time-limited, 12-month, non-tenure track Research Assistant/Associate/Full Scientist in the area of plasma physics and quantum computing. Initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment anticipated based on funding and performance.

We are seeking a Research Scientist specializing in quantum computing with applications to magnetic fusion to join our team. In this role, you will:

• Develop initial value quantum simulation of photo-excitation and stimulated emission of a hydrogen plasma.
• Extend the quantum computing algorithm to a time-dependent system.
• Formulate the quantum scattering problem of electron impact ionization and excitation in a hydrogen and helium plasma.
• Develop the quantum simulation algorithm for this family of quantum scattering problems.
• Share your research results by publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at professional conferences.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

PhD in physics or a closely related field at time of appointment.

• Strong background in code development
• Atomic processes in fusion plasmas
• Edge tokamak simulation

This is a time-limited position.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, with the first full committee screening occurring on January 5th, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/ (Job 538024). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas)  2. Curriculum vitae (including a 1-page CV highlights) 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. A personal research program vision statement detailing short-and long-term goals. The anticipated start date for this position is February 1^st, 2026. For further questions, please contact Chris McDevitt (cmcdevitt@ufl.edu).

The University of Florida (UF) is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities. UF is home to HiPerGator, the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education, and the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is undergoing a major expansion in faculty, research, and facilities with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. In Fall 2023, UF opened Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for AI.

For more information about college initiatives, visit eng.ufl.edu

Additional Requirements

• The selected candidate must provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Transcripts marked “Issued to Student” will not be considered official.
• Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Additional Information

The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of faculty, students and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive.

•  If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please call
• Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
• All searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.