Contract Research Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Overview
This is a pooled posting for future vacancies in this job classification. This is a two year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment will be contingent upon the availability of funding.
These positions are in Huntsville, AL
The Auburn University Huntsville Research Center (AUHRC) and the Samuel Ginn
College of Engineering are seeking candidates for multiple positions of Principal
Research Scientist/Engineer VI/VII in anticipation of securing contract funding in multiple
areas of engineering and science to include fields such as modeling and simulation;
systems engineering and integration; cyber security engineering; critical infrastructure
protection; advanced manufacturing; additive manufacturing; materials science and
engineering; assured position, navigation and timing; propulsion systems and project
management on multiple programs funded by government and private industry. These
positions will be located in Huntsville, Alabama and will report to the Associate Dean for
Research, College of Engineering. The successful candidates may also work with
leaders of other units such as Auburn's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical
Infrastructure Security, Cyber Research Center, National Center for Additive
Manufacturing Excellence, and the Huntsville Research Center to identify and develop
potential research sponsors in the strategic focus areas of Auburn University research.
Major responsibilities include providing technical expertise, through the various Auburn
programs in subjects such as those listed above directly to government and industry
sponsors.
The successful candidate will provide technical support for one or more of the following
types of activities:
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry
related to subjects such as cyber security threats and subsequent threat mitigation strategies and methods.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry related to protecting the nation's critical infrastructure systems (energy, water,
transportation, food, commerce, etc.).
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to industry and government sponsors in the
broad areas of modeling, simulation, and systems engineering and integration.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry
related to additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and advanced
materials.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry
related to vehicle dynamics and assured position, navigation, and timing.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to NASA and industry senior leaders in payload
integration including requirement definition and verification / validation of potential
exploration payloads.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to NASA and industry senior leaders in
development and integration of NASA's launch vehicles and exploration
programs.
Collaborate with the nation's community of industry, government, and academia
on national policy and technology that affects various defense, aerospace,
manufacturing, and related industry sectors along with federal, state, and local
government agencies.
Responsibilities

• Conducts contract research and creates progress and final reports as necessary;
  provides technical management of research contracts and oversees the content and
  timeliness of contract deliverables.
• Develops research proposals and budgets.
• Coordinates research opportunities between Auburn University faculty and staff, local
  government agencies, and private industries.
• Initiates and cultivates relationships with agencies and industries in order to build
  research and educational programs for Auburn University.
• Establishes and grows research funding for Auburn University by pursuing local
  opportunities.
• Interfaces with Auburn University faculty and staff to build an in-depth knowledge of oncampus research capabilities.
• Candidate may supervise employees but supervision is not the main focus of the job;
  responsibilities could include training, mentoring, evaluating, and making or
  recommending pay, promotion or other employment decisions

Qualifications
PhD from an accredited institution Engineering, science, management information
science (MIS), or related technical field.
Level I: No experience required
Level II: 2 years of professional experience
Level III: 4 years of professional experience
Level IV: 6 years of professional experience
Level V: 8 years of professional experience
Level VI: 10 years of professional experience
Level VII:12 years of professional experience
Experience for Levels II-VII should be in engineering and research practices and
principles or science-based programs.
Candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree may substitute relevant experience
toward the PhD requirement at the rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of
required education
Contract Type
Limited Term
Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
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Posted Date
3/27/2026