Research Scientist 3

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist III at UL Research Institutes Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), based in our Houston, TX facilities. The Research Scientist III conducts experiments or develops theoretical models, develops preliminary findings, prepares written reports, and provides subject matter expertise that supports the research of Electrochemical Safety. Collaborating closely with Electrochemical Safety leaders and researchers, the Research Scientist III contributes to research on battery safety science and other energy storage systems, ensuring that all procedures are accurate and technically rigorous.

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 Electrochemical Safety team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Electrochemical Safety Research Institute:

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies. Through our discovery-driven research, we innovate, test, model, and lay the foundation for electrochemical energy storage that is both safe and reliable. Our scientific research helps everyone in the energy storage and battery value chain — from cell and battery manufacturers, suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers to recyclers, shippers, and consumers — understand and thereby help minimize the various safety risks associated with batteries in various applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.

Collaborating with a wide variety of partners to help meet the world’s energy safety needs, we disseminate information by convening a diverse group of stakeholders at events such as global battery summits and webinars to find data-driven solutions to new and emerging energy storage risks.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

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

• Is equipped with the fundamental knowledge needed to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.

• Applies intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering and safety science 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.

• Plans and conducts experiments focused on energy storage safety science, with an emphasis on lithium-ion batteries, other battery chemistries, and hydrogen systems.

• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures as needed to conduct experiments.

• Analyzes test results to determine trends and develop solutions.

• Keeps up with evolving technologies in the field by reading scientific journals, staying informed on recent publications, and attending academic and technical conferences.

• Serves as a point of contact on research projects: engage, collaborate, cross-train and guide partners and team members on related knowledge transfer based on individual subject matter expertise.

• Work with students in academic collaborations and other collaborator teams.

• Present research results internally, and at conferences and workshops.

• Supports the development of new research proposals and funding for grant applications.

• 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:

• Demonstrated general knowledge of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, battery safety and/or safety of other energy technologies.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting experiments examining performance and safety of energy storage technologies.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain engineering based academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills required.

• Experience with electrochemical testing protocols (such cycling, EIS/DCIR, etc.), using battery test instruments (such as cyclers), and cell teardown analysis (or destructive physical analysis).

• Advanced data analysis skills.

• Ability to collaborate with academic teams, peers and Research Scientists and other team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.

• Strong technical writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

 Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 2 years of experience post-degree or

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 4 years of directly related experience post-degree or

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of directly related experience post degree. 

• Experience working with lithium-ion or other battery chemistries, required.

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.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

Salary Range:

$89,602.01-$123,202.76

Pay Type:

Salary