Research Scientist II - Materials Discovery Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist II at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute, based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Research Scientist II will focus on the discovery, development, and characterization of advanced materials to address global challenges, including carbon capture and utilization, catalysis, atmospheric water harvesting, water purification, and environmental remediation. The position will apply high-throughput methodologies, automated synthesis techniques, advanced characterization tools, and performance testing, supported by high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) capabilities. The Research Scientist II will be expected to communicate research findings through publications, patents, presentations, and organizational initiatives that advance MDRI's mission.

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 (Pick one of Chemical Insights, Digital Safety, Electrochemical Safety, Fire Safety, Materials Discovery Research Institute, Standards) teams 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:

• Design and execute projects to discover and develop novel materials for sustainability-driven applications, including carbon capture and utilization, atmospheric water harvesting, water purification, and environmental remediation.

• Leverage machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the materials discovery process and enhance research impact.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using advanced instrumentation and computational tools.

• Apply advanced characterization techniques to understand and differentiate material properties and performance.

• Develop standard operation procedures (SOPs) for synthesis procedures and instrument operations.

• Adhere to safe work practices and operational guidelines.

• Collaborate efficiently in a multifunctional team environment and engage with internal and external collaborators.

• Contribute towards the publication of research papers, technical reports, and patent applications, representing MDRI in the scientific community and at industry events.

• Perform 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:

• Advanced knowledge of materials science with a focus on porous materials chemistry, including synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation.

• Experience in materials discovery and hands-on expertise in a wet lab environment.

• Familiarity with accelerated materials discovery methodologies, incorporating machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance research efficiency.

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

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering technical presentations and achieving peer-reviewed scientific journal publications.

• 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.

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

• Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills.

• Ability to thrive in an innovative environment.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Chemistry or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in projects related to eco-remediation such as carbon capture, utilization, and atmospheric water harvesting and purification is preferred

• Experience with Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) 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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