Lead X-Ray Optics & Multilayer Coatings Scientist

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4, to advance multilayer optical coatings, instrument hardware, and computational modeling for X-ray optic technology in astrophysical and high-energy applications.

The role involves collaboration with NASA MSFC, designing and testing reflective optics, and developing data-driven software tools to enhance coating precision and instrument performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in thin-film deposition and optical coatings.
• Experience with multilayer mirror development and X-ray optics.
• Strong proficiency in Python/MATLAB for modeling and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and characterize single-layer and multilayer coatings for hard X-ray mirrors.
• Develop and deploy computational models for X-ray reflectivity and performance prediction.
• Build and maintain software tools and GUIs for data processing and control of coating processes.
• Collaborate with NASA MSFC and internal teams on instrument integration and testing.
• Publish results and contribute to proposals and research planning.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

Optical coatings

Multilayer mirror development

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics / Optical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

The University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4, to advance multilayer optical coatings, instrument hardware, and computational modeling for X-ray optic technology in astrophysical and high-energy applications.

The role involves collaboration with NASA MSFC, designing and testing reflective optics, and developing data-driven software tools to enhance coating precision and instrument performance.