Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4

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.

• 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.

$105,000