Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Separations Chemistry

The Opportunity

The Chemistry Department at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure earning, assistant professor anticipated to begin August 2026.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in radiochemistry - nuclear chemistry. Of particular interest is expertise in separations chemistry, which may include (but not limited) to: rare earths separations related to critical mineral technologies, actinide separations for reasons related to energy, waste management, fuel processing and national security and nuclear forensics. Candidates with strong background in spectroscopy and radioanalytical techniques are also encouraged to apply.

The position would be suitable for a chemist (or a scientist from a closely related discipline), who seeks to develop a program that aligns with both the university's and the nation's mission focusing on security and energy.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Teach and train students in chemistry at the undergraduate and graduate levels and develop a vigorous, externally funded, internationally recognized research program in the field.

• Enhance the department's radiochemistry program, which has been recognized as a pocket of excellence and a unique strength.

• Provide students with critical skills to meet the national demand for a robust nuclear workforce.

Candidates who could collaborate and leverage the department's outstanding strengths in material science and nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, photonics, forensic science etc. are welcome to apply. For more information on the department's disciplines:https://sciences.ucf.edu/chemistry/research/research-areas/

We are especially interested in an individual who can contribute through their research, teaching and service to the excellence of our academic community and foster an environment in which faculty, staff, and students are welcomed and can thrive.

The Department of Chemistry at UCF is fueling the STEM workforce of the future, preparing students in niche areas of study such as materials and nanotechnology biochemistry, forensic science, radiochemistry and chemistry education. Our faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in collaboration with the National Center of Forensic Science, the Nanoscience and Technology Center, the College of Optics and Photonics, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Community Innovation and Education. The department offers a range of academic programs, which include both B.A. and B.S. degrees in Chemistry and a B.S. in Forensic Science, as well as M.S. programs in Chemistry and Forensic Science, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Our B.S. Forensic Science degree is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and UCF is a member of The Consortium for Nuclear Forensics (CNF) and Enabling Capabilities in Technology (TECH), one of only 16 universities in the nation. The National Center for Forensic Science at UCF, a State of Florida Type II Research Center, leverages the expertise of Chemistry faculty to provide relevant and responsive forensic science research and training and operational support to communities that rely on science to achieve justice.

The 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 world's 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 https://sciences.ucf.edu.

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. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. 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. For more information, visit http://www.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

A doctorate in Chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution plus a minimum of two-years of postdoctoral experience by time of hire is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

The candidate's publications and conference contributions demonstrate an interdisciplinary portfolio.Experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduates and graduate students in chemistry, with content that reflects expertise in emerging frontiers in radiochemistry and separations chemistry.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should submit the following:
1) A letter of application (cover letter) indicating qualifications for the position (up to two pages).
2) Curriculum vitae (CV).
3) Statement of future research plans (up to ten pages).

4) Statement of teaching (up to two pages).

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. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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.

Review of applications will begin 01/05/2026.

Questions regarding this search may be directed to the search chair Vasileios Anagnostopoulos at Vasileios.Anagnos@ucf.edu, 407-823-2437.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

02/02/2026.

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

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

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 onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.