Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4

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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.
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.
Published Salary (if available): $105,000

Advertised: Apr 30 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

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