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Job Description We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrochemist Research Scientist III at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Electrochemist Research Scientist will study the relationship between electrical energy and chemical reactions and investigate the behavior of molecules and materials at the interface of electrochemical systems for MDRI. The Electrochemist Research Scientist will apply their knowledge to develop new technologies, materials, and processes in fields including renewable energy beyond lithium-ion technologies, electroplating, sensors, and more, to advance research and innovation within the institute. 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 Electrochemist Research Scientist III, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:
Conduct experiments and studies to explore connections between electrochemistry and materials science. Investigate kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of electrochemical processes. Design and execute experiments in synthesis and characterization of next-generation, high-performance, economically feasible materials for renewable energy beyond lithium-ion battery, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and supercapacitors. Design and develop electrochemical setups and apparatus for various experiments. Analyze the properties and behavior of new materials under different electrochemical conditions. Improve energy storage and conversion performance and durability by enhancing electrode structural design, optimizing operating conditions, and developing new materials, including catalysts for cathode and anode, separators, and electrolytes. Investigate electroplating processes to enhance the quality and durability of products. Develop methods for depositing thin films and coatings onto surfaces. Design and fabricate electrochemical sensors for detecting various analytes in different applications. Improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and response time. Collect and analyze data from experiments using advanced instrumentation and software tools. Interpret results and draw conclusions to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including chemists, physicists, engineers, and other researchers and present research findings at conferences, seminars, and workshops. Publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Stay current with the latest advancements in electrochemistry and related fields. Propose innovative research ideas and projects that contribute to the field's development. Perform other duties as assigned.
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:
Conduct experiments and studies to explore connections between electrochemistry and materials science. Investigate kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of electrochemical processes. Design and execute experiments in synthesis and characterization of next-generation, high-performance, economically feasible materials for renewable energy beyond lithium-ion battery, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and supercapacitors. Design and develop electrochemical setups and apparatus for various experiments. Analyze the properties and behavior of new materials under different electrochemical conditions. Improve energy storage and conversion performance and durability by enhancing electrode structural design, optimizing operating conditions, and developing new materials, including catalysts for cathode and anode, separators, and electrolytes. Investigate electroplating processes to enhance the quality and durability of products. Develop methods for depositing thin films and coatings onto surfaces. Design and fabricate electrochemical sensors for detecting various analytes in different applications. Improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and response time. Collect and analyze data from experiments using advanced instrumentation and software tools. Interpret results and draw conclusions to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including chemists, physicists, engineers, and other researchers and present research findings at conferences, seminars, and workshops. Publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Stay current with the latest advancements in electrochemistry and related fields. Propose innovative research ideas and projects that contribute to the field's development. Perform other duties as assigned.
Professional Competencies
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electrochemical principles, techniques, and instrumentation. Proficiency in data analysis and modeling software. Experience with designing and conducting experiments, as well as troubleshooting equipment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills for collaboration, presentations, and scientific writing. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Attention to detail and safety in laboratory settings.
Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:
Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 2 years of experience or Master's degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 4 years of directly related experience or Bachelor's degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 8 years of directly related experience.
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. Salary Range: $89,602.01-$123,202.76
Pay Type: Salary
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ULRI
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
Aug 21, 2025