Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist III at UL Research Institutes Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), based in our Houston, TX facilities. The Research Scientist III conducts literature reviews, designs and performs experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports and presentations that support the research and development activities of ESRI. The Research Scientist III works closely with ESRI leaders and researchers, as well as external project collaborators, to carry out tests and analyses associated with supercapacitor, battery, and other energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Research Scientist III, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Identifies and actively pursues the understanding of fundamental knowledge required to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.

• Uses design of experiment (DOE): plans, executes, and completes initial and follow-up procedures, as required, to test and validate results.

• Applies intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks. Exercises a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods. Analyzes data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data-driven conclusions, and develop solutions.

• Handles and works with various materials (inorganic, organic, polymers, composites, solvents, etc.) for synthesis and (dis)assembly for characterization with independent operation of instrumentation setup and data collection and provides insights through data analyses.

• Internal and external dissemination of results in Microsoft Office formats and peer-reviewed journal publications; presentations at conferences, speaking engagements (podcast, webinars, teaching, panels, etc.), and other events representation.

• Is a point of contact on research projects, engages, collaborates, cross-trains, and guides partners and team members on related knowledge transfer based upon individual subject matter expertise.

• Stays abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.

• Assists with grant and proposal writing for funding or large-scale instrument facility use.

• Perform other duties as directed.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated hands on supercapacitor and battery (lithium-ion technology and beyond) research laboratory capabilities (including glovebox and dryroom technical operations) and knowledge (energy storage and conversion technologies, materials, and processes).

• Materials synthesis (solgel, solvent, powder processing, ball-milling, CVD, etc.), characterization (PXRD, FTIR, GC-MS, ARC, SEM-EDX, TGA-DSC, rheology, moisture analysis, optical imaging etc.), and analysis experience.

• Profile matching and Rietveld refinement expertise, as well as familiarity with large-scale instrument beamtime (synchrotron x-rays, neutron) are a plus.

• Electrochemical expertise: electrode (mix, coat, calender, and slit/punch) and cell fabrication (Swagelok, coin, and pouch cell formats for two- and three-electrode setups), testing protocols (cycling, rate, conductivity, EIS / DCIR, CV, etc.) on different cyclers (Arbin, Gamry, Biologic, Neware, etc.), and advanced data analysis skills; cell teardown (DPA) knowhow is a plus.

• Related modeling experience and programming knowledge (VBA, python, etc.) are a plus.

• Ability to maintain science- and engineering-based academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Excellent communication, management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to be a self-motivated, independent researcher but actively collaborates with peers to complete a project from start to finish by efficiently meeting deliverables, timeline, and budget.

• Strong technical report writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

 Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 2 years of related experience post-degree or

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 4 years of directly related experience post-degree or

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of directly related experience post-degree. 

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