RES AST SCTST

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida (UF) invites applications for a twelve-month non-tenure track time-limited position at the rank of Research Assistant Scientist in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) within the Precision Space Systems Laboratory directed by Associate Professor John W. Conklin. Initial appointment will be for one year with annual reappointments based on performance and available funding.

Duties and responsibilities include performing independent research efforts as a member of the Precision Space Systems Laboratory, which is developing drag-free inertial sensors for the NASA-ESA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) gravitational wave observatory and future Earth geodesy missions beyond GRACE-Follow On . This position may also contribute to the development of intersatellite laser ranging and laser communications technology for the NASA CLICK CubeSat mission .

The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is ranked as the #5 best public US university according to US News and World Report.  Persons joining the Department will find outstanding facilities, interdisciplinary opportunities, a collaborative and collegial work environment, and a strong dedication to diversity and excellence in research and education.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Ph.D. in Engineering or related field.

PhD degree in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Astrophysics or a closely related discipline and at least three years of postdoctoral research experience. Preferred experience includes a distinguished academic and research record. Candidates should have experience in a sub-set of the following topics: Design, development, fabrication, integration and testing, flight operations for space flight programs; Mechanical/thermal design for space systems; Fiber-coupled lasers and LEDs and associated analog current drivers; Digital electronics, microprocessors, and FPGAs; Development of flight software/firmware for microprocessors and FPGAs, including VHDL; Experience with laboratory experiments, including the use of vacuum systems, UV and IR light sources and detectors, data acquisition and instrumentation.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, and will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.

All applications must be submitted through UFCareers at: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/listing/ . (Please see Job Requisition #524464). Complete applications must include the following files in PDF format: (1) cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas and a diversity statement including experience in working with diverse and underrepresented groups in engineering); (2) a complete curriculum vitae demonstrating research and academic accomplishments; and (3) the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional supplemental documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” section in the application. (4) a personal statement including identification of any synergies within the Precision Space Systems Lab; (5) up to three representative journal articles (co-)authored by the applicant; The anticipated start for the position is January 2023 with some flexibility for a later start based on individual needs.

The final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/    

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.  

The University of Florida is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.