Research Scientist III - Materials Discovery Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist III at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Research Scientist III will work in the Accelerated Methodologies Research Team. The Research Scientist will contribute to advanced material characterization projects, focusing on X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and crystallographic studies. This role involves developing methodologies, conducting detailed analyses, and collaborating across teams to solve complex challenges in material science. The scientist will play a pivotal role in maintaining and optimizing instrumentation, driving research innovation, and ensuring reproducibility in experimental outcomes.

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

• Develop and execute XRF methodologies for detailed elemental analysis across various material systems.

• Conduct crystallographic studies to investigate material structures, phase compositions, and properties.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve materials-related challenges, applying advanced XRF and crystallography techniques.

• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to support material development and innovation.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize XRF and XRD equipment to ensure high-quality data output.

• Stay at the forefront of advancements in XRF, crystallography, and material characterization.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists in the effective use of XRF and crystallography techniques.

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:

• Expertise in elemental analysis, method development, instrument calibration, and troubleshooting.

• Hands-on experience in designing experiments, operating, maintaining, and optimizing X-ray equipment.

• Strong understanding of material structures, phase identification, and crystallographic refinement methods.

• Knowledge of structure-property relationships and hands-on experience with complementary analytical techniques such as SEM-EDS and thermal analysis.

• 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.

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

• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or material science plus 8 or more years of directly related work experience, or

• Master's degree in chemistry or material science plus 4 or more years of directly related work experience, or

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or a related field and 2 years' experience post-PhD with a focus on crystallography or material characterization

• Demonstrated expertise in X-ray data analysis, including method development, calibration, and data interpretation.

• Strong knowledge of crystallography and material science principles.

• Experience with software tools for XRF and crystallographic data analysis.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work on complex, interdisciplinary projects.

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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