Research Associate in Artificial Intelligence

Unleash Your Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institution, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world's most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of our mission to become a university for the future. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck.

The Opportunity

The Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) within the School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) seeks a research faculty member at the rank of research associate to conduct cutting-edge simulation and training technologies research. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure earning position supported by contracts and grants.

This position requires an experienced Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher who will work both independently and as member of a team to design, development, modify, test, document, and maintain simulation software products. Additional job functions will include providing data and progress reports as required by Government contracts. Some travel to customer's sites will be required for data collection as well as presenting results of contracted work performed.

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited institution with demonstrated record of academic research achievement, or professional qualifications in the field of artificial intelligence above those which would be equivalent to the highest degree.

Significant experience or education required in at least three of the following areas:

• Generative AI and direct application to modeling and simulation.

• Strong knowledge of Python, C++, C for optimal AI implementation.

• Application of AI within 3D virtual environments.

• 3D game engine AI interfaces (e.g., ML-Agents).

• OpenFlight file format and visual database correlation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Terminal degree in Artificial Intelligence or a related field from an accredited institution and three years of related professional experience.

Additional preferences include:

• A deep understanding of clustering knowledge and specific Kubernetes deployments using GPU's for parallel AI processing Cartography.

• Knowledge of advanced simulation techniques that leverage AI.

• Competency in modern rapid application development techniques.

• Intimate machine learning theory and direct application of DNN/CNN.

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, candidates should upload a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, and a list with contact information for three (3) 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: 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.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Brian Plamondon, Program Director, at , ; or Naya Ramirez, HR Partner, at ,

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This is a full-time, non-tenure earning, 12-month position supported by contracts and grants.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to attain security clearance is required due to the nature of research performed.

Occasional travel will be needed for data collection and client meetings.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as 'Open until filled' may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are Benefits Important to You?

Working at UCF has its perks In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando area attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.

And more...For more benefits information, go to 'Prospective Employees' on the UCF Human Resources website ).

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region's talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It's one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation's top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 240 degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 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 , 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 higher education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to employment in research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty positions (including employed visiting positions), graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral scholar positions, and undergraduate positions.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.