Assistant Professor, Physics Education Research

The Opportunity

The Department of Physics () 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 departments current equitable workload policy.

The Department of Physics is at the heart of our nations 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 Floridas 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 masters 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 70000 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 regions 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 worlds best airports are just a few features that make Orlando an ideal location. Learn more about UCF at 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 worlds 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 .

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 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

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 31 202 6

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 youll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. Youll 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 youll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and youll 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 moreFor more benefits information view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting it is UCFs 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 or email .

For general application or posting questions please email .

Key Skills

Experience Working With Students,Classroom Experience,Medical Management,Library Services,Pharmacy Residency,Research Experience,Teaching,Higher Education Teaching,Curriculum Development,Grant Writing,Mentoring,Research Laboratory Experience

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1