Research Scientist II - Fire Safety Research Institute

Job Description We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Engineer II at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, MD office. The Research Scientist II conducts experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports. The Research Scientist II works closely with other researchers to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound. At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice. UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we share with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire‑safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org. What You’ll Learn And Achieve Identifies fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL’s thought leadership and support the strategy of UL. Document laboratory procedures, prepare detailed reports, and evaluate technical specifications and factors related to the process or design objectives. Identify and recommend hardware and equipment needed for operations, and equipment for general lab and study specific use. Stays ahead of changing technologies in the field by reading journals and scientific publications and attending academic conferences. Gathers initial data for projects and works with Research Engineers and Scientists to conduct research. Assist with publications. Operate independently in the lab/field. Can assist with data collection and initial analysis. Performs other duties as directed. What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes 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 Demonstrated general knowledge of relevant engineering and scientific disciplines, with the ability to continuously maintain and advance both academic and applied technical expertise. Demonstrated ability to operate GC‑MS systems—preferably Agilent GC‑MS with a Gerstel Autosampler—and to analyze data and support GC‑MS method development. Demonstrated knowledge for a range of sampling techniques for gaseous, solid, and liquid samples. Demonstrated ability to operate a liquid chromatography system and analyze data. Demonstrated ability to operate an FTIR and analyze data. Knowledge of toxicology and thermal decomposition of materials. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences. Advanced data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify trends, and draw technically defensible conclusions. Advanced capabilities in instrument design, system installation, troubleshooting, and programming to support custom research and experimental needs. Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers, Scientists, and other team members to complete a project from start to finish. Demonstrated ability to serve as lead author on technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications, including coordinating contributor input and ensuring scientific rigor. Professional Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience. Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience. Doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 0 years of postdoctoral, or equivalent experience. About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well‑being. To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org. Salary Range $81,456.37-$112,002.51 Pay Type Salary #J-18808-Ljbffr UL Research Institutes