Associate Scientist, Astronomy

USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time Associate Scientist to work in our Huntsville, AL office. The Associate Scientist 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 successful candidate will collaborate closely with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) X-ray Astronomy Group to design, fabricate, and test reflective optical elements and to develop data-driven software tools that enhance instrument performance and coating precision. This work directly supports the development of next generation X-ray optics for future NASA missions.

Key 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:

• Participates in 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.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications:

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

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.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hard-X-ray or extreme-ultraviolet optics, multilayer design codes, or synchrotron reflectivity measurements.
• Familiarity with machine-learning or AI-based optimization methods for physical systems.
• Experience working with X-ray calibration systems including knowledge of ionizing radiation producing devices.
• Prior collaboration experience with NASA or national laboratories.
  
  
  

Remote Working: This position is not available for remote work. Candidate must be in the Huntsville, AL area.

Travel: Attend scientific conferences 1-2 times per year.

Applicants should apply to the posting at Home | USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae.

Additional information on USRA can be found at Home | USRA