Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4

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

Job no: 503771
Department: College of Science
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Engineering

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.

• 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.

Published Salary (if available):

$105,000

Advertised: Apr 30 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

Please note, job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.