Data Scientist - Materials Discovery Research Institute

The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) a UL Research Institute (ULRI) is seeking an exceptionally talented Data Scientist to join our rapidly growing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics. They will be responsible for developing innovative solutions to complex scientific problems, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies and tools. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

The MDRI was launched in September 2022, with a focus of bringing the Materials Discovery process into the 21^st century.  The MDRI represents a state-of-the-art research institute, pushing the boundaries of material discovery with targeted applications in global sustainability concerns and individual and societal health, using modern computational chemistry to enable the targeted synthesis of materials leveraging high throughput rob synthesis and characterization solutions.  The MDRI will seek to combine modern laboratory information management systems (LIMS) with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) providing a holistic data infrastructure

The Data Scientist will use advanced mathematical and statistical concepts and theories to collect and analyze data and construct solutions to complex research and stakeholder problems for the MDRI, including advanced statistical analysis on experimental or organizational data to identify, validate and quantify trends or patterns based on guidance from research leaders. Construct advanced predictive models, algorithms, and probability engines to support data analysis or material properties; verifies model and algorithm effectiveness based on real-world results. Designs experiments and methodologies to generate and collect data for organizational use.

The Data Scientist will work in close contact with materials scientist and engineers providing a flexible-friendly use digital tools for data handling/analysis.

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. 

• Develop advanced machine learning models and statistical algorithms to discover insights, trends, and patterns in large, complex datasets.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams from within and outside of the institute, including data engineers, software developers, and business stakeholders, to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables.
• Design and implement end-to-end data pipelines, from data acquisition and preprocessing to model training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Conduct thorough and rigorous validation of models to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and robustness.
• Continuously explore, evaluate, and integrate new data sources and cutting-edge technologies to enhance our analytics capabilities.
• Effectively communicate complex technical concepts, methodologies, and results to diverse audiences, including senior management, amplifications partners, and team members.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and contribute to the development of new methodologies and best practices.
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of data governance and quality standards within the organization.
• Contribute towards the publication of research papers, technical reports, and patent applications, representing the company in the scientific community and at industry events.
•  Implement and maintain a digital lab notebook for MDRI for diverse types of chemical and material synthesis approaches by means of RDM software.
• Create and maintain a digital database record for all relevant characterization information obtained for the different products obtained in MDRI.
• Assist research leaders with the definition and development of user-friendly reports and graphics that integrate and convey complex data/information.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Strong knowledge of machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling techniques, and data mining methods.

• Ability to develop solutions to loosely defined research problems by leveraging pattern detection over large data sets.
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to new challenges quickly.
• Willingness to learn and research new concepts and technologies in quick Proof of Concepts
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with technical and nontechnical internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to organize, analyze and correlate data information including skills in dashboarding.
• Skilled in versioning best practices, i.e. GitHub, Gitlab, Code Commit.

 Experience and Education Requirements

• University Degree (Equivalent to Bachelor’s degree) in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in statistical analysis or data science.
• Solid technical knowledge and experience working with R, SAS, Java or Python programming language.

• Mission: For Underwriters Laboratories, 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 127 years and is deeply engrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any Underwriters Laboratories 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 Underwriters Laboratories. 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. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
• 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 Underwriters Laboratories are eligible for bonus compensation. Underwriters Laboratories offers 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 Underwriters Laboratories 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.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is a nonprofit organization 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 wholly owned subsidiary, UL Inc., advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Inc., which 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 UL.org.