Electrochemist - Material Discovery Research Institute

The Material Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes, is recruiting an Electrochemist. This position will be located in our MDRI Skokie, IL labs.

In this role, the Electrochemist will study the relationship between electrical energy and chemical reactions and investigate the behavior of molecules and materials at the interface of electrochemical systems. The Electrochemist applies their knowledge to develop new technologies, materials, and processes in fields including renewable energy beyond lithium-ion technologies, electroplating, sensors, and more, to advance research and innovation within the institute.

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. 

• Conduct experiments and studies to explore connections between electrochemistry and materials science. Investigate kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of electrochemical processes.
• Design and execute experiments in synthesis and characterization of next-generation, high-performance, economically feasible materials for renewable energy beyond lithium-ion battery, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and supercapacitors.
• Design and develop electrochemical setups and apparatus for various experiments. Analyze the properties and behavior of new materials under different electrochemical conditions.
• Improve energy storage and conversion performance and durability by enhancing electrode structural design, optimizing operating conditions, and developing new materials, including catalysts for cathode and anode, separators, and electrolytes.
• Investigate electroplating processes to enhance the quality and durability of products. Develop methods for depositing thin films and coatings onto surfaces.
• Design and fabricate electrochemical sensors for detecting various analytes in different applications. Improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and response time.
• Collect and analyze data from experiments using advanced instrumentation and software tools. Interpret results and draw conclusions to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including chemists, physicists, engineers, and other researchers and present research findings at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in electrochemistry and related fields.
• Propose innovative research ideas and projects that contribute to the field's development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electrochemical principles, techniques, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and modeling software.
• Experience with designing and conducting experiments, as well as troubleshooting equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration, presentations, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and safety in laboratory settings.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, electrochemical engineering, materials science, or a related field plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience, or
• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, electrochemical engineering, materials science, or a related field plus 4 or more years of directly related work experience, or
• PhD in chemical engineering, electrochemical engineering, materials science, or a related field or equivalent experience plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience.
• Experience in an academic or industrial lab setting after graduation is preferred.

• 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 129 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.

UL Research Institutes is an affiliated 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 our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.