Lead Research Scientist I, New Materials - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have exciting opportunities for Lead Research Scientists I, New Materials at UL Research Institutes.

We are currently recruiting for several scientist roles. While this position is currently posted at the Lead level, we welcome applications from exceptional talent whose experience, research focus and accomplishments may align with a different level within our organization. As part of the evaluation process, candidates may be considered for appointment at a higher or lower level, as appropriate. Any level determination will be based on demonstrated qualifications, expertise, leadership impact, and alignment with the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Electrochemical Safety Research Institutes based in our Maryland research facilities. The Lead Research Scientist I leads and executes electrochemical battery safety and energy storage research focused on addressing complex scientific challenges related to thermal runaway, fire behavior, battery materials, manufacturing, charging technologies, and system-level risks. Through experimental research, scientific leadership, and collaboration across the battery innovation ecosystem, this role advances knowledge, develops innovative material solutions, and supports safer energy storage technologies through science.

UL Research Institutes:

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 our Electrochemical Safety team who conducts the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Electrochemical Safety Research Institute:

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies. Through our discovery-driven research, we innovate, test, model, and lay the foundation for electrochemical energy storage that is both safe and reliable. Our scientific research helps everyone in the energy storage and battery value chain — from cell and battery manufacturers, suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers to recyclers, shippers, and consumers — understand and thereby help minimize the various safety risks associated with batteries in various applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.

Collaborating with a wide variety of partners to help meet the world’s energy safety needs, we disseminate information by convening a diverse group of stakeholders at events such as global battery summits and webinars to find data-driven solutions to new and emerging energy storage risks.

Through all of our programs, we aim to unlock the diverse perspectives that are essential for solving the world’s most pressing safety and sustainability issues.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

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

• Lead and conduct energy-storage material research projects focused on safety by applying scientific principles and concepts that are critical to advancing ESRI's mission of advancing safer energy storage systems through science.
• Investigates complex scientific challenges related to high-temperature LFP batteries and electrolytes for better safety and higher energy efficiency to novel methods of recycling LFP batteries at scale.
• Identifies fundamental knowledge gaps in battery safety and energy storage systems, including the physics of thermal runaway, extreme fast charging, high-temperature LFP batteries, advanced electrolytes for improved safety and energy efficiency, and scalable battery recycling technologies, to advance ULRI's thought leadership and research strategy.
• Applies first-principles thinking, sound scientific judgment, and independent problem-solving skills to develop innovative approaches to real-world problems.
• Maintains awareness of emerging tools, safety research, regulatory developments, and scientific advances by reading the literature and attending academic conferences.
• Plans, designs, and executes battery safety experiments and testing protocols to evaluate hazards, validate findings, and support research objectives.
• Collaborate with outside research partners.
• Participates in associations and research/stakeholder organizations
• Contributes to and leads research analysis, experimental design, and technical execution of battery safety research programs across the battery innovation ecosystem.
• Contributes to and/or leads other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

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 over 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 fundamental knowledge and independent thinking of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, and safety science.
• Demonstrated independent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Advanced instrument design, installation, programming, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and work with team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.

• Ability to serve as lead author on high-impact papers and reports.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• PhD in a related discipline and 6+ years of directly related post-degree experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience.
• While this position is posted at the Lead level, exceptional candidates may be considered for a different level based on their experience, expertise, and demonstrated impact.

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.

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