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Physics Postdoc Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Postdoctoral Associate's Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Performing ... D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related fields. Preferred ...

Shyam Kattel at the University of Central Florida, has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral ... D. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field is required.

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Physics Postdoc information

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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics postdoc in Florida is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.33 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Physics Postdoc?

A Physics Postdoc, or postdoctoral researcher in physics, is an individual who has completed their Ph.D. in physics and is engaged in further research, typically at a university or research institute. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator and contribute to ongoing projects, often publishing their findings in scientific journals. The role is intended to provide advanced training and experience, preparing postdocs for independent research careers, academia, or industry positions. Physics postdoc positions are usually temporary, lasting from one to three years.

What is the difference between Physics Postdoc vs Physics Research Scientist?

AspectPhysics PostdocPhysics Research Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or related fieldPhD in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsResearch labs, industry, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsIndustry, government, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Physics Postdocs are typically early-career researchers working in academic or research settings, focusing on gaining experience and publishing. Physics Research Scientists often hold more permanent roles in industry or government labs, with broader responsibilities and less emphasis on training. While both roles require a PhD in Physics, their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Physics Postdocs when transitioning to independent research?

Physics Postdocs often encounter challenges such as securing funding for independent projects, balancing research with teaching or mentoring duties, and building a professional network. Navigating the shift from working under a principal investigator to developing their own research agenda requires strong grant writing and project management skills. Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams and maintaining work-life balance are also important considerations during this stage of career development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Postdoc, you need a PhD in physics or a related field, strong analytical and research skills, and expertise in your area of study. Familiarity with advanced simulation software, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with laboratory equipment or data analysis tools are often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration and communication skills help you contribute to research teams and share findings. These skills are essential for advancing scientific knowledge, publishing impactful research, and succeeding in highly competitive academic or research environments.
What are popular job titles related to Physics Postdoc jobs in Florida? For Physics Postdoc jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Physics Postdoc job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,185 per year, or $15 per hour.

Post Doctoral Scholar, Physics

Ucf

Orlando, FL

Full-time

PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity (Job description):

The Computational Materials for Energy Technologies (CoMET) group, led by Assistant Professor Duy Le in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research in materials for energy applications, focusing on electrocatalysis and battery technologies.

Ideal candidates should possess a strong background and experience in computational modeling of solid-solid, liquid-solid, and gas-solid interfaces using first principles methods, classical force fields, and machine-learning-force fields.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance.

For additional information about this position, please contact Duy Le at duy.le@ucf.edu.

Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Associate's Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Performing computational modeling using DFT, GC-DFT, MD (AIMD, classical force fields, MLIP force fields)
  • Developing machine learning models for liquid-solid, solid-solid, and gas-solid interfaces.
  • Analyzing and disseminating research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
  • Managing collaborations with other research teams (internal and external)
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
  • Contributing to grant proposal development and preparation

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have a Ph. D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and/or battery technologies.
  • Experience in molecular dynamics simulations (including AIMD).
  • Experience with machine leaning interatomic potentials.
  • Strong programming experience with PyTorch for machine learning and scientific computing applications.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload:

  • CV/Resume
  • One-page statement summarizing candidate's expertise, experience, research interests, and suitability for the position (Times New Roman, 11pt, single space).
  • Contact information of at least 2 professional references.

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.

NOTE: When applying, please have all your documents ready to upload at the same time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The Ph.D. must be conferred before the commencement of employment in the Postdoctoral Associate position at the University of Central Florida.

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.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

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.

Expected Salary:

$58,000.00/year

Department

College of Sciences (COS) - Department of Physics

Work Schedule

Varies.

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Expected Salary

$58,000.00

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.


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.