Unleash Your Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institution, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of our mission to become a university for the future. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck.

The Opportunity

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has established several interdisciplinary clusters of investigators to strengthen its academic offerings and research mission. In support of this effort, we are recruiting faculty in the area(s) of materials and cell biology within the field of musculoskeletal science and orthopaedics, and plan to hire one (1) tenure-track assistant professor or tenured associate professor for the Biionix (Bionic Implants, Materials and Interfaces) Cluster (https://www.ucf.edu/research/prosthetic-interfaces-biomedical-engineering/ and https://med.ucf.edu/biionix-cluster/ ). This position has an anticipated start date within Fall 2024 or Spring 2025; however, the start date is negotiable.

This is an interdisciplinary position that will be expected to strengthen both the cluster and a chosen tenure home department and may include a combination of joint appointments. A strong advantage of this position is the ability of the candidate to choose multiple units within the university for their appointment. Both individual/interdisciplinary infrastructure and startup support will be provided with this new position.

The selected candidate will work alongside colleagues within UCF’s College of Medicine (COM), the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), and Limbitless Solutions, as well as with clinicians and surgeons based within the nearby Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the new UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. Candidates may choose their academic home department within one of the aforementioned areas (COM, MSE, or MAE).

Musculoskeletal disease is considered one of the biggest health concerns for the next century and new therapies are becoming smaller, faster, and smarter. Advances in orthopedic clinical treatment are being driven by interdisciplinary advances in the fields of materials science, medicine, and engineering; areas that form the foundation of Biionix Cluster research.  Our mission is to innovate and advance the development of ‘smart’ biomaterials, both implantable and wearable, to innovate strategies for tissue repair and implant integration, and in intelligent rehabilitation and improved wellbeing.

The ideal candidate will have experience in fundamental and applied research and work at the intersection of several areas, such as:

• Synthesis and fabrication of biopolymers and their use as musculoskeletal tissue scaffolds, devices, or coatings, micro or nano applications, resorbable or non-resorbable.

• Injectable polymer therapeutics, novel biostimulative scaffolds such as electroactive, mechano-stimulative or biofunctionalized gels or porous scaffolds, shape memory polymers.

• Bioprinting and artificial microtissue development, disease modeling.

• Biopolymers or biomaterials for drug or gene delivery, tissue protection, infection.

• Cell-based therapies, tissue engineering, and biomaterials to augment repair and regeneration.

• Soft biorobotics.

• Biosensor development and brain-machine interfaces.

• Biopolymers as imaging agents such as diagnostic agents, tissue-targeted or molecular imaging agents.

Qualified candidates will demonstrate their research impact as reflected in high-quality publications and the ability to build a funded and sustainable research program. All relevant technical areas will be considered. We are looking for a team player who can help bring together current campus efforts in musculoskeletal science and orthopaedics.

UCF is one of the nation’s largest universities with a diverse student body of more than 70,000 students, and has grown substantially in size, quality, diversity, and reputation. Today, the university offers more than 200-degree programs. In 2019, UCF was officially recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education and a "Green College" by the Princeton Review for our efforts in sustainability and environmental responsibility. UCF's students represent all 50 states and over 120 countries. UCF is in a centralized location that is 30 minutes to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando and 60 minutes to the beach. UCF has 16 sports teams, including football, soccer/fútbol, tennis, volleyball, and 600+ cultural, academic, and social student clubs and organizations all led by faculty mentors. In addition, UCF has several associations for faculty and staff, among them, the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), the Latino Faculty and Staff Association (LaFaSA), the PRIDE Faculty and Staff Association, and the Faculty Excellence Center for Success of Women Faculty. UCF received the 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, which recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Carnegie Foundation has classified UCF as a R1 Doctoral University for its high research activity and community engagement. This past fiscal year, UCF brought in a record amount of research funding in excess of $210M. For the fifth consecutive year, UCF has been recognized among the nation’s most innovative universities according to U.S. News & World Report while Kiplinger’s and The Princeton Review have ranked UCF as one of the nation’s best values for a college education.

UCF 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. UCF’s Orlando location also puts it at the center of the Florida High Tech Corridor. The corridor has an excellent industrial base that includes software, defense, space, simulation and training, and a world- renowned entertainment industry. Adjacent to UCF is a thriving research park that conducts over $2 billion in funded research, hosting more than 100 high-technology companies and UCF’s School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training. 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. We encourage you to learn more about UCF at http://www.ucf.edu/faculty .

The Biionix Cluster consists of 15 core and secondary faculty members who together mentor 39 undergraduate, 38 graduate and medical students and 5 post-doctoral fellows. The core of the cluster is based within the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences in Lake Nona, which offers state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at the UCF College of Medicine. The school is recognized as an Academic Health Sciences Campus and is a founding member of the growing Medical City, which is a multi-billion-dollar investment dedicated to innovation in health and wellness. This extensive biomedical complex includes the UCF Burnett School of Biomedical Science research building, UCF College of Medicine academic building, the UCF Cancer Center, UCF outpatient clinics, the new UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy, Orlando Veterans Administration Medical Center, and  Nemours Children’s Hospital.  Together they provide a hub for biomedical innovation that is contributing to transform Orlando into a global destination for health care, research, and biomedical innovation and education.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D., terminal degree, or foreign degree equivalent from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to the cluster by the time of appointment.

The selected candidate must also have a record of high impact research (or potential for high impact research) related to materials and cell biology within the field of musculoskeletal science, as demonstrated by a strong and consistent scholarly and/or funding record from the NIH, NSF, or other equivalent agencies.

To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with rank in a department/school related to the candidate’s area of expertise.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• A history of working with teams, especially teams that span multiple disciplines, is a strongly preferred qualification.

• Experience in working with both in vitro and in vivo models.

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 attach the following materials to their application:

 a cover letter,  a current curriculum vitae,  a teaching statement,  a research statement, and  contact information for three professional references (include email address).

In the cover letter candidates must address their background in musculoskeletal science and identify the department(s) for their potential tenure home and the joint appointments they would desire.

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 can be directed to Dr. Melanie Coathup, at melanie.coathup@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

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 Benefits Important to You?

Working at UCF has its perks!  In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando area attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.

And more…For more benefits information, go to ‘Prospective Employees’ on the UCF Human Resources website (https://hr.ucf.edu/ ).

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger , and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 240 degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete, online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 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 higher education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to employment in research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty positions (including employed visiting positions), graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral scholar positions, and undergraduate positions.

Department

Office Of Research, Research Centers & Institutes, College Of Graduate Studies, And Burnett Honors College HR Business Center

Work Schedule

Varies.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at  http://www.oie.ucf.edu/documents/PresidentsStatement.pdf.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.