The Opportunity
Travel and tourism are the largest industry and economic lifeblood of Central Florida – the area hosts more than 72 million visitors each year. Given the scope and continued growth of the travel industry, Orlando has the opportunity to become the global capital for travel and tourism research, with the University of Central Florida (UCF) assuming a leadership role in this development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed in stark relief the vulnerability of our travel and tourism industry to various health and safety threats.
The UCF Strategic Investment Program has recently invested in funding for the Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative (IDTHI). These funds are targeted for hiring new faculty across four colleges at UCF (e.g., Hospitality Management; Biomedical Sciences; Engineering and Computer Science; Medicine) with diverse disciplinary and methodological approaches to research on travel and infectious diseases. It is expected that the new and existing faculty will provide a critical mass of investigators whose research collaborations will benefit from the interdisciplinary research and cross-pollination of different areas of expertise and result in innovative team science that will be well-positioned to obtain external funding.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) at UCF invites applicants for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-earning, assistant professor in areas related to UCF’s Infectious Disease Initiative. Faculty will be members of the core Materials Science and Engineering program. The research areas of interest include: 1) novel functional materials for pathogen mitigation, drug delivery, characterization of pathogen (bacteria/virus)-materials interfaces, 2) innovative sensor materials (nano to micro) and devices for detection of pathogens related to infectious disease. Example topics of interest require expertise at the interface of materials science and engineering and biomedical sciences.
The successful candidate is expected to conduct impactful research and educate students (both undergraduate and graduate) in the aforementioned areas of research. Establishing strong ties with industrial partners, both local and national, is of special interest.
Minimum Qualifications:
An earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or closely related discipline, by the start of the appointment. Applicants must also provide evidence of strong commitment to academic activities, including teaching, scholarly publications, and sponsored research.
Preferred Qualifications: An exceptional record of scholarly research in one or more of the targeted technical areas is highly desirable. A history of working with teams, especially ones that span multiple disciplines, is also preferred.
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, interested candidates must upload the following:
1) Cover letter: In the cover letter candidates must address their background in research and scholarship in the areas noted in the job description and highlight their major research accomplishments and impact.
2) A current curriculum vitae.
3) A teaching statement.
4) A research statement.
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 may be directed to: Ms. Diana Perez, at [email protected].
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
On March 10, 2026, UCF received clarification that the current State moratorium on H‑1B visas applies not only to new sponsorships but also to H‑1B transfers into the institution. This means we are unable to process transfers for individuals currently holding H‑1B status with other employers. UCF will share updates as soon as State guidance changes or additional details become available.
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.
- 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 Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) - Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
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 [email protected].
For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].
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