Research Scientist I, Analytical Chemist - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist I, Analytical Chemist at UL Research Institutes, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) based in our Houston, Texas facilities. The Research Scientist I, Analytical Chemist will under general direction, supports experimental and analytical research through the execution of laboratory experiments, data collection and interpretation, and preparation of technical reports. This role collaborates with senior research scientists and engineers to ensure all procedures and results meet rigorous scientific standards. Responsibilities also include the routine operation, calibration, and maintenance of analytical instruments to support daily laboratory functions.

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 Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Electrochemical Safety Research Institute:

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute 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.

What you'll learn and achieve:

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

• Identify fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL's thought leadership and support the strategy of UL.

• Document laboratory procedures and prepare detailed reports that include data plotting and analysis.

• Evaluate technical specifications and factors related to process or design objectives using a variety of analytical techniques, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV/Vis) Spectroscopy, and Accelerating Rate Calorimetry (ARC).

• Identify and recommend appropriate hardware and equipment necessary for analytical operations.

• Remain current on emerging technologies and scientific trends by engaging with scientific literature and attending academic conferences.

• Support project initiation by gathering preliminary data and collaborating with research engineers and scientists to execute experiments.

• Develop and refine analytical methods and data analysis procedures to improve lab efficiency and data accuracy.

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.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 ability to maintain academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of data collection, analysis and plotting, ability to take videos and photos as necessary during the tests.

• Demonstrated knowledge of handling analytical instruments such as FTIR, GC-MS, SEM-EDX, TGA-DSC, XRD, etc. in a chemistry lab.

• Excellent problem-solving skills related to instrumentation and data interpretation.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with research scientists and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering

• Minimum 2 years of directly related work 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.

Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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