Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4

UAH College of Business; Alabama; On-site; USD 94,500 - 115,500; Full time

Job summary

UAH College of Business is seeking a Principal Research Scientist I to advance research and development in multilayer optical coatings and X-ray technology applications. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center on optical design, fabrication, and software development. A Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience in thin-film deposition and computational modeling are required, along with excellent collaboration and communication skills. Salary is $105,000.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field.
• 9+ months of full-time work experience.
• Expertise in thin-film deposition and optical coatings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in optical coatings.
• Design and validate laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop computational models and simulation tools.
• Analyze X-ray reflectivity and synchrotron data.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

Optical coatings development

Computational modeling

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Vacuum systems

Job description

Purpose of the Position

The Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4, will conduct advanced research and development in multilayer optical coatings, instrument hardware, and computational modeling to enable advancements in X‑ray optic technology for astrophysical and high‑energy applications. The scientist will collaborate closely with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) X‑ray Astronomy Group under existing cooperative agreements to design, fabricate, and test reflective optical elements and to develop data‑driven software tools that enhance instrument performance and coating precision.

Duties / Responsibilities

Optical Coating Design and Fabrication

• Develop, optimize, and characterize single‑layer and multilayer reflective coatings for hard X‑ray mirrors and full‑shell optics.
• Support thin‑film deposition studies using magnetron sputtering systems and related techniques, including layer‑thickness control, interface quality improvement, and environmental stability studies.

Instrumentation and Hardware Development

• Participate in the design, assembly, and validation of laboratory instrumentation and coating facilities used for optical deposition and metrology.
• Support the development of test hardware for characterizing mirror reflectivity, roughness, and uniformity.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on optical component integration into flight‑like telescope assemblies.
• Participate in study teams for the development of new mission concepts and support relevant aspects of current flight projects.

Computational and Software Development

• Build and maintain computational models for X‑ray reflectivity, multilayer optimization, and performance prediction from the soft to hard X‑ray bandpass, including lower gamma‑ray energies.
• Implement and train physics‑informed and machine‑learning algorithms for parameter optimization, data interpretation, and control automation of coating processes.
• Develop MATLAB/Python‑based simulation tools and GUIs for reflectivity analysis and data processing.
• Apply improvements and updates to motion control software as new hardware is integrated into laboratory systems.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Conduct quantitative analysis of X‑ray reflectivity (XRR) and synchrotron data to extract optical constants, interface roughness, and depth‑dependent parameters.
• Document experimental findings, maintain research records, and contribute to technical reports, NASA deliverables, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Collaboration and Personal Development

• Work with multidisciplinary teams across NASA, academia, and industry to advance technology readiness levels of X‑ray instrument technologies (TRL).
• Contribute to proposal preparation for external funding and participate in internal research planning meetings.
• Pursue an independent astrophysics research program, time permitting, to maintain a strong knowledge base in the field.
• Contribute to the community through service and participation in peer reviews, scientific organizing committees, scientific conferences, and research collaborations.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 9 months of verifiable full‑time work experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in thin‑film deposition, optical coatings, or multilayer mirror development.
• Proficiency in computational modeling using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent scientific software.
• Experience with optical metrology, vacuum systems, or instrument integration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with hard‑X‑ray or extreme‑ultraviolet optics, multilayer design codes, or synchrotron reflectivity measurements is desired.
• Familiarity with machine‑learning or AI‑based optimization methods for physical systems is desired.
• Prior collaboration experience with NASA or national laboratories is preferred.

Salary: $105,000