Research Assistant Scientist, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Classification Title:

RES AST SCTST

Classification Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical engineering, or a closely related field e.g., nanoscale transport phenomena.

Job Description:

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida is soliciting applications for a full-time, nine-month, time-limited, non-tenure-track research assistant scientist position in the Kidambi Research Group - https://pirankidambi.wixsite.com/kidambiresearchgroup

We are looking to add a highly motivated and enthusiastic assistant research scientist with a can-do attitude, a strong passion for research and engineering excellence to our growing inter-disciplinary team comprising of Mechanical, Chemical, Material Science, and Electrical Engineers, as well as Applied Physicists.

The group conducts fundamental research on nanoscale mass-transport by leveraging the convergence between i) in-situ metrology, ii) bottom-up synthesis of nanostructures, and iii) process engineering for energy and healthcare applications. Specifically, we leverage atomically thin (2D) materials as ideal model systems to probe nanoscale mass transport at the extreme limits of length scales.

The successful candidate would conduct experimental research, prepare detailed scientific reports, and publish papers in top tier peer reviewed international journals. Specific focus areas are on understanding highly selective transport of sub-atomic/atomic/molecular species at the extremes of length-scales, fundamental insights into the mechanisms governing bottom-up synthesis of nanostuctured materials for atomic-scale control to enable rapid and highly selective transport, and development of strategies to realize functional devices to enable practical applications.

The candidate is expected to actively identify, contribute towards data curation, writing, and submission of federal/state/foundation funding grant applications with the eventual goal of moving towards principal investigator status on grants. Candidate is also expected to provide some level of day-to-day supervision for undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory as well as work with academic/industrial collaborators.

Expected Salary:

Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical engineering, or a closely related field e.g., nanoscale transport phenomena.

Preferred:

Post-doctoral experience and high impact peer reviewed publications are preferred. Experience with experimental research with nanomaterials, and nanoscale transport and grant writing is also preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This is a time-limited position.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications December 15, 2025, with the first full committee screening occurring on January 5, 2026, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/ (Job #538122). The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas)2. Curriculum vitae (including a 1-page CV highlights) 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. A personal research program vision statement detailing short-and long-term goals. The anticipated start date for this position is February 2026 For further questions, please contact Prof. Piran R. Kidambi at View email address on explore.jobs.ufl.edu.

The University of Florida (UF) is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities. UF is home to HiPerGator, the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education, and the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is undergoing a major expansion in faculty, research, and facilities with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. In Fall 2023, UF opened Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for AI.

For more information about college initiatives, visit eng.ufl.edu

Additional Requirements

• The selected candidate must provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Transcripts marked “Issued to Student” will not be considered official.
• Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Additional Information

The University and College count among its greatest strengths a community of faculty, students and staff who support a culture of respect and dignity where learning and research thrive. 

• If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please call Show phone number or the Florida Relay System at Show phone number (TDD).
• Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
• All searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No