Research Scientist III - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes, is recruiting a Research Scientist III.

In this role, the Scientist conducts literature reviews, designs and performs experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports and presentations that support the research and development activities ESRI. The Research Scientist III works closely with other ESRI leaders and researchers, as well as external project collaborators, to carry out tests and analyses associated with battery and other energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

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.
• Use design of experiment (DOE): plans, executes, and completes initial and follow-up procedures, as required, to test and validate results.
• Apply intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks. Exercises a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods. Analyzes product data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data-driven conclusions, and develop solutions.
• Handle and work with various materials (inorganic, organic, polymers, composites, solvents, etc.).
• Contribute to the innovation and optimization of cell fabrication processes for 1. Electrodes: slurry optimization, fabrication, calendering, and slitting/punching; and 2. Electrochemical cells: assembling prototype Swagelok, coin, and pouch cells.
• Perform related QA/QC measurements and analyses: grindometer / Hegman gauge, rheology, bend and pull tests, surface analysis, conductivity measurements, moisture analysis, etc.
• Lead instrumentation setup and provide insights into data collection and analyses for materials characterization and electrochemical testing.
• Internal and external dissemination of results in Microsoft Office formats and peer-reviewed journal publications; presentations at conferences, speaking engagements (podcast, webinars, teaching, panels, etc.), and other events representation.
• Primary point of contact for project work; engages, collaborates, cross-trains, and guides partners and team members on battery-related knowledge transfer based upon individual subject matter expertise.
• 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.
• Assist with grant and proposal writing for funding or large-scale instrument facility use.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Demonstrated hands-on battery-specific research laboratory experience and knowledge that includes an understanding of current industry standard materials and processes related to lithium-ion and beyond lithium-ion battery technologies, and interest in other energy technologies.
• Familiarity with battery-related materials (electrode active materials, electrode slurry components, electrolytes, electrolyte additives, etc.), processes (industry standard, additive manufacturing, dry electrode processing, pre-lithiation, electrolyte processing, etc.), and technologies (graphite, LFP, NMCs, NCA, LNO, LCO, LMR-NMC, LMFP, silicon, sulfur, lithium-metal, solid-state batteries, sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, calcium-ion, etc.).
• Strong knowledge and experience in synthesis (solgel, solvent, powder processing, ball-milling, etc.) and materials characterization (PXRD, FTIR, GC-MS, ARC, SEM, TGA-DSC, particle size analysis, optical imaging, etc.).
• R&D and pilot-scale electrode and cell fabrication expertise: Swagelok, coin, pouch (including three-electrode setup), and cylindrical cell formats; glovebox and dryroom technical experiences; cell teardown capabilities are a plus.
• Electrochemical testing protocols (cycling, rate, EIS / DCIR, CV ) on different cyclers (Arbin, Gamry, Biologic, Neware, etc.) and advanced data analysis skills; VBA, python and other programming knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to maintain science and engineering based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication, management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to be a self-motivated, independent researcher but actively collaborates with peers to complete a project from start to finish by efficiently meeting deliverables, timeline, and budget.
• Strong technical report writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, or related field; plus 4 years of directly related experience, or
• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, materials engineering or related field; plus 2 years of directly related work experience.

• 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.

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 coammunities 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.