Research Scientist II - Materials Discovery Research Institute


Job Details

Job Description

The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), a division of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes (ULRI), is currently seeking a Research Scientist II. In this role, you will work under the direction of the MDRI Laboratory Manager. The Research Scientist III will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of a state-of-the-art adsorption facility and will work to support other groups in the institute to execute characterization of materials and provide an expert technical level interpretation of the data.

MDRI plays a crucial role in advancing the public safety mission of ULRI by developing and deploying new materials that have the potential to address current global safety challenges. Our institute utilizes advanced computing and experimental methods to create innovative materials for renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and technologies affecting human health.

Underwriters Laboratories

At UL Research Institutes, 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. UL 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!

What you'll learn & achieve:

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

  • Work to establish world-class adsorption capabilities at the MDRI to enable impactful research contributions towards global challenges focused on sustainability and safety.
  • Design and execute experiments to evaluate and enhance adsorption capabilities for targeted applications.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results, providing insights to guide further research and development efforts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate adsorption technologies into existing or new products.
  • Stays ahead of changing technologies, in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, and attending academic conferences.
  • Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures as needed to test and validate results.
  • Mentor and collaborate with junior scientists and research associates within the team.
  • Participate in the preparation and submission of grant proposals.
  • Lead instrumentation setup and data collection, provide timely feedback to improve and refine research methodologies.
  • Develop protocols and standard operating procedures ensuring safety and compliance.
  • Oversee day to day lab/field operations.
  • Present research results internally.
  • Perform other duties as directed.


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 experience with Materials characterization using a variety of analytical equipment such as physisorption, chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction/oxidation/desorption techniques.
  • Demonstrated general knowledge of chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science.
  • Proven experience in adsorption research, with a focus on developing and optimizing adsorption processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain science based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
  • Excellent communication skills required, both written and verbal, for collaboration and publication purposes.
  • Advanced data analysis skills.
  • Advanced instrument design, installation, and programming skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Scientists and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.
  • Ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.


Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum 0-2 years of post Ph.D. related work experience.


About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a 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 wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, 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.





 UL Standards and Engagement

 06/01/2024

 Skokie,IL