Research Scientist I - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes, is recruiting a Research Scientist I. This is an incredible opportunity for a recent college grad!

In this role, the Scientist will, under general direction, assists in literature studies, designs and conducts experiments, gathers data, and prepares written reports and presentations that support the research and development activities associated with battery and other energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science. The Research Scientist works under the supervision of colleagues (directors, research scientists, and research engineers) to ensure that all processes are accurate and technically sound and assists with the day-to-day laboratory/instrument activities, operations, and maintenance. 

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!

• Identify and actively pursue the understanding of fundamental knowledge required to enhance ESRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.
• Support colleagues on design of experiment (DOE) strategies; assist on planning, executing, and completing initial and follow-up procedures, as required, to test and validate results.
• Handle and work with various battery materials (inorganic, organic, polymers, composites, solvents, etc.) for materials synthesis, electrode fabrication processes (mix, coat, calender, and slit/punch), and prototype electrochemical cell assembly (Swagelok, coin, and pouch cells).
• Gather initial data, perform measurements, and supports analyses related to QA/QC, materials characterization, and electrochemical testing.
• Document laboratory procedures, prepare detailed reports, and evaluate technical specifications and factors related to the process or design objectives. Identifies and recommends hardware and equipment needed for operations, and equipment for general lab and study specific use.
• Internal and external dissemination of results in Microsoft Office formats and peer-reviewed journal publications; presentations at conferences, speaking engagements, and other events representation.
• Stay current with the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.
• Execute lab operations, including maintenance of spaces, instrumentation, and equipement.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Demonstrated general knowledge of chemistry and scientific first principles; solid understanding of process dynamics and control (transport, manufacturing), fluid and solid mechanics.
• Proven experience working in a laboratory environment supporting materials R&D, cell fabrication, and electrochemical testing.
• Basic knowledge and experience in synthesis (solgel, solvent, powder processing, ball-milling, etc.), materials characterization / analytical tool (PXRD, FTIR, GC-MS, ARC, SEM, TGA-DSC, particle size analysis, optical imaging etc.), and electrochemical testing protocol (cycling, rate, EIS / DCIR, CV etc.).
• Basic data analysis skills: VBA, python, and other programming knowledge.
• Ability to maintain science and engineering based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with team members to complete a project from start to finish by efficiently meeting deliverables, timeline, and budget.
• Basic technical report writing skills.

 Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of directly related work experience such as internship or academic research in areas of R&D lab, battery manufacturing, and additive manufacturing.
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience.
• Battery research experience is a plus.
• Experience supporting team/project work is a plus.

• 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 129 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.