Associate Scholar/Scientist/Engineer, Institute of Simulation and Training

The Opportunity

The Institute of Simulation and Training (IST) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking applicants for a full-time, 12-month non-tenure earning, associate scholar/scientist/engineer position which reports to the director of IST. We are searching for a Research Scientist with expertise in software engineering, visualization, immersive technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational science to support the design, development, and integration of next-generation visual simulations and intelligent systems. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team conducting applied research in simulation-based training, modeling, data analytics, and intelligent decision-support systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement software architectures, frameworks, and prototypes for high-fidelity visual simulations and AI-enabled environments and applications.
• Apply computational models, data-driven algorithms, and physics-based simulation methods to enhance realism and interactivity in diverse domain systems and applications.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, cognitive scientists, and domain experts to define research objectives, design experiments, and analyze results.
• Provide technical guidance on software engineering best practices, simulation technologies, and computational frameworks. Contribute to architecture design, performance optimization, and software verification and validation.
• Create prototypes and capabilities demonstrators to showcase IST's expertise aligned with trends and opportunities.
• Manage the common labs and provide guidance on equipment and infrastructure acquisition and upgrades.
• Contribute to or lead the preparation of grant proposals and technical reports for federal, state, and industry sponsors.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Present technical results to sponsors, collaborators, and stakeholders. Design and execute hands-on demonstrations and exhibits at strategic events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, M&S, Engineering, or a related discipline in modeling and simulation is required at time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong programming skills in one or more of the following: C++, Python, C#, with experience in modern software engineering practices (version control, CI/CD, modular design).
• Experience with distributed systems, GPU computing, or cloud-based simulation environments.
• Knowledge of human-in-the-loop simulation, training effectiveness evaluation, or synthetic environments.
• Experience in government or defense research environments.
• Record of successful proposal writing and sponsored research funding.
• Demonstrated experience in software development for simulation systems, high-performance computing, or AI-based applications.
• Familiarity with simulation frameworks (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, Paraview, Fluent, or similar visual simulation engines).
• Experience with AI/ML tools and frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn).
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and communicate complex concepts clearly.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE : Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

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.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Nayade Ramirez, Search Manager at [email protected].

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

This position is funded with E&G funds.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

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
Institute for Simulation and Training (IST)*

Work Schedule
Varies

Type of Appointment
Regular

Expected Salary
Negotiable

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 [email protected].

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].