Research Scientist II - Materials Discovery Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist II at UL Research Institutes, based in our Material Discovery Research Institutes (MDRI) Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Research Scientist II will work to facilitate the operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization instrumentation to support other groups in the institute in executing the synthesis and characterization of materials, as a member of the Accelerated Methodologies Research Team.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Materials Discovery Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Materials Discovery Research Institute:

The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) works to develop and deploy new materials with the potential to address current global safety challenges. Pursuing materials that will help produce transformational safety breakthroughs, MDRI harnesses the power of advanced computing and high-throughput experimental methods to create innovative materials that will produce resilience for a sustainable future and protect individual and societal health. We focus on today's critical challenges, working to create new and better materials that will support renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Among our top priorities is research into materials capable of carbon capture and energy storage, with an eye toward reducing the adverse impacts of humanity's reliance upon fossil fuel resources and enabling a transition to renewable energy sources.

Above all, our research builds on our commitment to a safer, more sustainable future.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Research Scientist II, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Assists research scientists in aspects of materials synthesis and characterization, inventory management and general laboratory maintenance.

• Prepares and handles chemical reagents, compounds, and samples for analysis, ensuring accuracy and safety.

• Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) for experimental protocols, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.

• Assists in the calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, promptly reporting any technical issues.

• Collaborates with team members and subject matter experts to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

• Participates in the upkeep of the lab environment, including ordering and organizing supplies and maintaining cleanliness and safety.

• Assists in maintaining compliance with safety protocols and industry regulations.

• Performs other duties as directed.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes:

We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Fundamental knowledge and proficiency in materials science or analytical chemistry, including the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.

• Hands on experience in the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation, such as diffractometers, adsorption apparatus, combinatorial automation equipment, spectrometers etc.

• Proven track record of method development and optimization.

• Extensive proficiency in advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation.

• General knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and best practices.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with colleagues.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, documentation and presentation skills.

• Excellent time and project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously with the ability to adapt to new challenges quickly.

• Positive and collaborative attitude with exceptional interpersonal skills for effective teamwork across the organization, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its specialized areas.

• Ability to thrive in an innovative environment.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or material science plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience, or

• Master's degree in chemistry or material science plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience, or

• PhD in chemistry or material science plus 0 years of postdoctoral, or equivalent experience.

• Experience working in a university or industrial research laboratory setting.

• Experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory.

• Experience working in a research and development environment is preferred.

• Experience in materials synthesis and characterization is preferred.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations 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 affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions 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.

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