Assistant
Professor, Physics Education Research
Apply here: Assistant
Professor, Physics Education Research - Orlando, Florida, United States
The Opportunity
The Department of Physics (physics.ucf.edu) at the
University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a full-time,
nine-month faculty position for specialization in Physics Education Research at
the rank of assistant professor (tenure-earning), anticipated to begin in
August 2026.
UCF is a leader in innovative teaching techniques and
pedagogy, especially those that align with the opportunities and challenges of
a large metropolitan university. We have a vibrant and active Discipline-based
Education Researcher community, with research in multiple STEM areas, including
Physics and Chemistry.
We seek candidates with experience in Physics Education
Research and/or Discipline-based Education Research, who will build on existing
strengths advancing physics pedagogy. Specific areas of interest include but
are not limited to: Introductory or upper-level physics labs; Application of
cutting-edge technology such as generative artificial intelligence and machine
learning in STEM Education Research; Analysis of qualitative and/or mixed
methods research data; Meta-cognition, emotion, and self-regulated learning;
Technology-enhanced learning; Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Informatics
Education Research; and Astronomy Education Research. The candidate should
consider how their research program would enhance interaction and collaboration
with other related research programs across the university, including in
Physics, Chemistry, other College of Sciences departments, the College of
Community Innovation and Education, the College of Engineering and Computer
Science, the Learning Sciences cluster, and the new Institute of Artificial
Intelligence.
The successful candidate is expected to establish a
vigorous, externally funded, and creative research program and demonstrate
excellence in graduate and undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Instructional
duties and service assignments are in accordance with the department’s current
equitable workload policy.
The Department of Physics is at the heart of our nation’s
SpaceU, offering a broad range of courses in physics and related areas such as
astronomy and planetary science, from general education physical sciences to
advanced graduate-level topics.
Our faculty work on cutting-edge research funded by industry
and government, helping to push the frontiers of science and innovation. With
modern working spaces and equipment and extensive collaboration opportunities
across UCF campuses and Central Florida’s Research Parkway, including a
high-performance computing cluster, photonics, and more, our physics faculty
are positioned to make an impact in the region and beyond.
The department also has a strong STEM mission, engaging in
outreach with the Central Florida community to increase scientific literacy and
to attract K-12 students to careers in science. The department offers B.S.,
B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, including a master’s to Ph.D. bridge program,
preparing students for a range of careers.
UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in
the nation by U.S. News & World Report, is located in Orlando, Florida and
is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie
Foundation. UCF is one of the largest universities in the nation and with more
than 70,000 students is the largest university by enrollment in Florida. It
offers more than 240 degree programs, and is an economic engine, attracting and
supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students
with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation. It is at
the center of the Florida High Tech Corridor where industries include software,
defense, space, simulation and training, and entertainment. Adjacent to UCF is
a thriving research park that conducts over $2 billion in funded research.
Great weather, easy access to the seashore, one of the largest convention
centers in the nation, and one of the world’s best airports are just a few
features that make Orlando an ideal location. Learn more about UCF at http://www.ucf.edu/faculty.
The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at
the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce,
spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing
centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and
innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways
for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a
mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty,
staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a
number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S.
News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others. For more
information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. or equivalent from an accredited institution in
physics or a closely related discipline at the time of hire and a record of
independent research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A
record of successful research in physics or astronomy education research.
- A
record of externally funded research, and/or a clear potential for future
external funding.
- Experience
teaching physics and/or astronomy at the university level.
- Experience
with or interest in integrating technology into teaching and research.
Additional Application Materials Required:
UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to 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, a two-page teaching statement and a two- to
three-page research statement (including a brief plan for future research).
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 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.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Luca
Argenti, Search Chair, at luca.argenti@ucf.edu
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be
considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference
will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any
employer in the United States.
Job Close Date:
January 31, 2026
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
College of Sciences (COS) - Department of Physics
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.
For general application or posting questions, please
email talent@ucf.edu.
