Postdoctoral position in experimental discovery of exotic electronic and vibrational properties of 2D/Quantum materials
A postdoctoral research position is available from July 1, 2026, under the direction of Professor Saiful Khondaker at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In partnership with University of Washington, Khondaker leads the PREM Center for quantum materials innovation and education excellence (CQMIEE) at UCF (https://prem2.cecs.ucf.edu/). Khondaker group’s current interest is in the discovery of exotic electronic and vibrational properties of 2D and quantum materials through Raman, TERS, electron transport, and SPM measurements.
The ideal candidate must have a Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering or related field with demonstrated skills in the following areas:
- Fabrication of 2D materials based nanodevices using exfoliation, transfer, optical and electrical beam lithography (EBL). Strong command of EBL is required
- Low noise electrical transport measurements (room temperature and low temperature) along with the knowledge in related device physics.
- Investigation of novel physics using tip-enhance Raman spectroscopy (TERS), Conducting AFM, and other related scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques
- Strong publication record in high quality journals with several first author papers, demonstrating an ability to effectively and efficiently report scientific results.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Creative, hardworking, and self-motivated with the ability and interest to pursue challenging problems independently as well as collaboratively with other groups
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead and contribute to independent and collaborative research projects involving synthesis (exfoliation and transfer), device fabrication, and investigation of electronic, vibrational and other exotic properties of 2D/quantum materials.
- Lead the writing of research articles resulting from the work and publish those is scientific journals.
- Present research results at scientific conferences.
- Work with graduate and undergraduate students and provide peer mentoring. Co-lead project with students.
- Collaborate with researchers at UCF and CQMIEE
- Help maintain lab space and equipment’s
- Work safely and independently within a supportive group setting.
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health program requirements
The position is for up to two years with a salary of $57,000/yr along with other benefits. To be considered for this position please send (a) curriculum vitae with publication list, (b) summary of research accomplishments (2 page limit), and (c) a brief statement of research interests (2 page limit). All application materials must be submitted online through UCF Jobs link: Post Doctoral Scholar – Orlando, Florida, United States
About UCF and NSTC: UCF is one of the largest universities in USA with an enrollment of over 68,000 students located at east Orlando. NSTC is a state funded center that was established in 2004 to promote nano education, research, and technology development in the rapidly growing central Florida region. NSTC currently have in house Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering faculty all with labs in the same floor giving students and postdocs a truly interdisciplinary research experience.
About Orlando: Orlando is a dynamic and progressive metropolitan region that is an excellent place to live and work. It is an international tourist destination that offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including Disney World and other amusement parks, nightlife, frequent cultural events, and ocean beaches within an hour drive. It has excellent weather throughout the year with a very mild winter.
Opportunities for graduate students
Ph.D. students: We are looking for Ph.D. students who has interest in the investigation of electronic and vibrational properties of 2D layered quantum materials. If you are an outstanding, motivated and hardworking graduate student with a strong physics background and are excited about working in a truly multidisciplinary environment, please contact Dr. Khondaker with your resume.
Opportunities for undergraduate students
We are looking for undergraduate students preferably in their Junior/Senior year with strong commitment to learn and make contribution on 2D layered quantum materials research. Students with strong GPA who would like to complete a honors thesis will be preferred.