Director for Advanced Measurement Laboratory - Chemical Insights Research Institute

Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes, is recruiting a Director for Advanced Measurement Laboratory. In this role, the Director will develop research plans and lead research laboratory operations for the newly created Center for Advanced Measurements

The Director will lead development of research agendas, identify instrumentation and laboratory needs, implement research programs for the measurement of emerging pollutants, organic and particle, and communication of research findings through publications, presentations, and various organizational and educational tools. The Director works closely with other leaders and colleagues across the research organization to advance the protection of public health through discovery research and its applications for safer and healthier environments and people.

CIRI is on the front line of research on emerging environmental health threats facing people and the planet today. Our work lets people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we interact with every day. Our leadership role is to provide objective research and resulting knowledge for improved practices, innovative product design, and changes that enable safer products and healthier environments.  

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. 

• Develop research ideas and agenda based on emerging pollution sources and their health risks, execute research, and communicate findings.
• Work to establish world-class laboratory expertise and capabilities within CIRI to enable impactful research contributions towards emerging pollutants the protection of human health.
• Establish partnerships with academia, government, and industry to develop research agenda, conduct research, and communicate for broad amplification of research findings and applications for positive human health outcomes.
• Manage and direct ongoing daily research and growth of research and laboratory resources needed to support research.
• Hire, lead, and develop a team of high-performing scientists to deliver results in collaboration with leaders and other colleagues.
• Develop budgets as required for research initiatives, laboratory needs, and communication and education processes.
• Serve as technical lead to promote CIRI’s research and the UL Research Institutes organization through participation on expert panels, speaking engagements, stakeholder events, and external and internal opportunities.

• Participate and contribute to other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

• Expert knowledge in management and operation of environmental measurement laboratory and research exposure studies with spectrometric and chromatographic methods.
• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.
• Leadership, initiative, and influence skills to create alignment and buy-in with multiple stakeholders.
• Positive and collaborative attitude and interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Engaging and approachable leadership style to lead and develop a high performing team, setting high standards and accountability for process and results.
• High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its areas of specialization and effectively communicate the mission and goals of the organization with collaborators and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills. Ability to operate at a strategic and operational level, including attention to detail, focus on quality, speed, and outcomes, and willingness to both lead the work and execute.
• Proficiency in MS Office is required. Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint, and knowledge of analytical tools and databases are desired.

Experience and Education Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Health, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years of post-graduate experience with proven research, publication, and grant experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in management and operation laboratory facilities and leading scientific research teams.
• Experience in consulting, industry, or academic research with proven results in generating research plans, conducting aerosol and chemical emission characterization, and facilitating untargeted and targeted -omics approaches for biomarker discovery.
• Experience identifying and acquiring instrumentation and developing measurement methodologies for a range of pollutants and matrices.

• 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.