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Researcher Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Research Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril's Research Scientists excel at developing state-of-the art algorithms and software that solve scientific problems with real-world applications. Working in small innovative ...

Anduril Industries

Research Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$165K - $218K/yr

Our research endeavors don't end once we've written a journal or conference paper describing our technology; rather, our work is complete when our technology has been deployed in mission-critical ...

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Researcher information

What is the difference between Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often advanced degrees for research rolesBachelor's or Master's in statistics, data science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic, laboratory, or research institutions; sometimes corporate R&DBusiness, finance, marketing, or healthcare settings; often office-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonResearcher vs Data Analyst

The main difference between a Researcher and a Data Analyst lies in their focus and work environment. Researchers typically conduct experiments, develop theories, and work in academic or research settings, often requiring advanced degrees. Data Analysts analyze data to inform business decisions, usually working in corporate environments with a focus on data interpretation and reporting. While both roles require strong analytical skills, their daily tasks and industry applications differ significantly.

What qualifications do I need to be a researcher?

To become a researcher, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering is typically required, with many roles preferring or requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools and data analysis software, and good communication abilities are also important. Relevant experience through internships or previous research projects can enhance job prospects.

What is the job of a researcher?

A researcher is responsible for systematically investigating and analyzing information to generate new knowledge or insights in a specific field. They design experiments, collect and interpret data, and often use tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment. Researchers typically work in academic, scientific, or market environments and may require relevant qualifications or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a solid educational background relevant to the research field, often at least a master's or doctoral degree. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory equipment, academic databases, and research methodologies is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, curiosity, and collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure rigorous, innovative research outcomes and effective knowledge sharing within the scientific community.

What is a researcher?

Researchers are professionals who systematically investigate topics to discover new information, validate existing knowledge, or solve problems. They work in various fields such as science, medicine, social sciences, and technology. Researchers design studies, collect and analyze data, and present their findings through reports, articles, or presentations. Their work is crucial for advancing knowledge and innovation in many industries.

What are some common challenges researchers face when working on collaborative projects, and how can they be addressed?

Researchers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across different disciplines, aligning project goals, and managing communication within collaborative teams. These issues can be addressed by establishing clear roles and responsibilities from the outset, holding regular meetings to ensure alignment, and using collaborative tools to track progress. Open communication and mutual respect among team members are essential for overcoming misunderstandings and fostering a productive research environment.

What do researchers do?

The main duty of a researcher is to perform research, the type depending greatly on the field in which you work. For example, someone who works in documentary film might do archival research and look for visual material that would fit well with a particular film. A researcher in a scientific field, such as biomedical technology, may look into particular drug treatments and provide information to clinical trial designers or other academic researchers. Many professors or academics perform research as part of their scholarly duties.

More about Researcher jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Researcher jobs in Madison, AL? For Researcher jobs in Madison, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Postdoc Researcher

Universities Space Research Association

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time, Postdoc Researcher to work in our Huntsville Al office. The Postdoc Researcher will lead the advancement of the Enhanced Vertical Long Trace Profiler (eVLTP) to support NASA MSFC’s goal of advancing replicated X-ray optics to sub-arc-second angular resolutions. This position is supported by a recently selected 3-year award from the NASA Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) Program and is based at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The VLTP is the only instrument in the world in its vertical long-trace configuration, specifically designed to measure slope and figure errors of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors with extremely high accuracy over meter-class apertures. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and advancing the eVLTP to support the development and validation of next generation grazing incidence optics for NASA X-ray missions.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Instrument Development:

  • Lead the development and implementation of enhancements to the VLTP to improve slope accuracy and repeatability.
  • Identify, model, and mitigate systematic error sources.
  • Design and integrate improved optical, optomechanical, and environmental control systems.
  • Develop advanced calibration techniques and establish quantitative error budgets.

Software, Analysis, and Modeling

  • Develop and maintain software for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis.
  • Implement algorithms for slope extraction and surface figure reconstruction.
  • Model instrument performance and guide design improvements.

Precision Metrology

  • Perform high-accuracy slope measurements of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors.
  • Develop improved measurement methodologies to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.
  • Support fabrication, process development, and validation of optics for future NASA missions.

Project and Scientific Contributions

  • Support milestones and deliverables for the NASA APRA-funded project.
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Collaborate with NASA engineers, scientists, and academic partners.
  • Contribute to the long-term development of world-leading X-ray optics metrology capabilities.

This position offers a rare opportunity to play a leading role in advancing a one-of-a-kind optical metrology instrument that supports NASA’s next flagship X-ray observatory. The successful candidate will have significant technical ownership, opportunities for scientific leadership, and the ability to make lasting contributions to the development of next-generation spaceflight optics.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Experience with precision optical instrumentation or metrology.
  • Strong experimental laboratory skills.
  • Programming experience in LabView, MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with slope profilers, interferometers, or long trace profilers.
  • Experience with grazing-incidence, X-ray, or optics.
  • Knowledge of optical alignment and optomechanical system design.
  • Experience identifying and mitigating systematic measurement errors.
  • Experience developing scientific instrumentation.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance is a benefit.


Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This is largely a sedentary role. This job may require extended work hours, evenings and weekends to meet milestones/deadlines.

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

Travel: Negligible – attending scientific conferences 1-2 times per year


US Citizenship is required.

This position is contingent upon funding.


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

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.