Research Assistant Professor of Medicine - Biomedical Optics and Photonics

The Opportunity

The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (BSBS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF), College of Medicine (COM), seeks outstanding applicants for a 12-month, non-tenure-earning, research-focused COM faculty position at the rank of assistant professor of medicine.  The research focus should be on the use of optics and/or photonics to address research topics related to human health. Applicants with a biomedical research program that can establish collaborations with the UCF CREOL College of Optics and Photonics (https://creol.ucf.edu) are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must hold a science Ph.D. from an accredited institution, have postdoctoral experience, a record of research productivity, and relevant experience with potential for collaboration across biomedical science with optics and/or photonics. Preference will be given to candidates who have already demonstrated experience in bridging both fields. In addition to developing or maintaining a well-funded research program, hired faculty will be expected to actively participate in the training of graduate students. The UCF College of Medicine provides faculty with highly competitive state-supported salaries, generous startup packages and laboratory space. The research facilities are state-of-the-art and include BSL3 laboratory space, transgenic animal facilities and excellent core equipment.

The UCF College of Medicine is a research-based medical school with a culture based on partnerships and collaboration. As part of the UCF College of Medicine, BSBS has 59 full-time faculty, more than 2,000 undergraduate majors and 150 graduate students in M.S., Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. programs located on two campuses. The new hire will have a lab located at the health sciences campus at Lake Nona. BSBS at Lake Nona is a critical part of the biomedical cluster at “Medical City” that includes the new UCF Lake Nona Medical Center Hospital, the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, the Orlando VA Medical Center, and the Nemours Children’s Hospital. Further information on the BSBS and its research divisions can be found at http://med.ucf.edu/biomed. 

The UCF CREOL College of Optics and Photonics (https://creol.ucf.edu) is one the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S. degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty engage in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing and displays.

UCF is one of the nation's largest universities with over 60,000 students enrolled in bachelor's and master's degrees, doctoral programs, and a fully accredited M.D. program. UCF is located in Orlando, a progressive metropolitan area and a major player in high-tech industry with a top ranked Research Park.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a science Ph.D. from an accredited institution, have postdoctoral experience, a record of research productivity, and relevant experience with potential for collaboration across biomedical science with optics and/or photonics.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in bridging both fields of biomedical science with optics and/or photonics.

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, interested candidates must upload a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a three-page summary of current and future research plans.

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.

Review of applications will begin in October 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Justine Tigno-Aranjuez, Associate Professor of Medicine at [email protected].

Special Instructions to the Applicants

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer. 

This position is funded by contracts and grants and is contingent upon available funding.

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

College of Medicine (COM) - Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences Dean's Office Operations

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

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. 

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email [email protected].