Laboratory Technician - Fire Safety Research Institute

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes (ULRI), is recruiting a Laboratory Technician. In this role, the Laboratory Technician will be responsible for conducting, evaluating, documenting, and preparing samples for material properties experiments. The Laboratory Technician follows defined test plans and protocols, operates and maintains bench scale test equipment, communicates with colleagues during setup and operation to ensure proper evaluation, and provide feedback to management and research staff regarding laboratory procedures and testing issues.  May initiate recommendations for new equipment designs and recommend solutions to observed testing issues. Trains other staff in specific test methods. May plan tests, evaluate test results and report opinions and interpretations.  Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions in the lab and sample preparation workspaces.

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) furthers UL Research Institutes’ public safety mission by addressing unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. Conducting rigorous research to advance fire safety science and knowledge, FSRI shares its insights through extensive outreach and education to provide the information and resources that will create a more fire-safe world.ds. May plan tests, evaluate test results and report opinions and interpretations.  Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions in the lab and sample preparation workspaces.

At Underwriters Laboratories, we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. Underwriters Laboratories stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law. 

Essential Functions, Roles, and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the setup and performance of equipment and test setups. Builds and/or adapts setup and test equipment for performance of tests. Examines test samples and reads schematics, wiring diagrams, measuring instruments, and operational instructions.   Follows basically defined test plans and protocols. Evaluates test performance and sample operation to properly evaluate test results. Records and explains test results and completes test report.
• Builds and/or adapts setup and test equipment to new situations, based on instructions from researchers.
• Examines samples and learns to operate appropriate tests for each case with necessary supervision/support. Communicates with researchers during setup and operation to ensure proper evaluation.
• Operates designated machines and special laboratory equipment. Performs routine maintenance of designated test equipment and laboratory area. Performs calibration of test equipment
• Reads and understands specific test standards and testing technology and protocols for scope of responsibility with necessary supervision/support.
• Initiates recommendations for new equipment designs and recommends solutions to observed test problems.
• Receives instructions from and reports data to researchers and management. May communicate with colleagues during test setups to discuss test methods and/or test results.
• Operates with minimal supervision within defined limits of responsibility.
• Records observed or calculated data in appropriate media and software and test reports. May plan tests, evaluate test results, and report observations and analysis, as directed.
• Integrates basic continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job. Communicates with management and technical staff to provide suggestions for new equipment, processes, and forms to improve accuracy and efficiencies.
• Support safety manager to maintain clean and safe work areas and identify safety concerns that need additional support for correction.
• Coordinate data from instrumentation to the laboratory information management system (LIMS) or data repository and ensure accuracy.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to perform work in a lab environment. 
• Ability to work and collaborate with others in a fast-paced environment with organization, attention to detail, responsiveness, and accountability. 
  Effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to be innovative and creative.
• Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, specifically PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Experience and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1year of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge or interest in Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Science or Chemical Engineering.
• Basic programming experience or interest in learning programming, a plus.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. We provide Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that UL contributes to twice per year! Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.