Research Scientist II - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist II at UL Research Institutes (ULRI) Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), based in our Houston, TX facilities. The Research Scientist II will conduct literature reviews, design and perform experiments, gather data, develop preliminary findings, and prepare written reports and presentations that support the research and development activities of ESRI. The Research Scientist II works closely with ESRI leaders and researchers, as well as external project collaborators, to carry out tests and analyses associated with battery energy harvesting and hybrid energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

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

• Develop and execute independent research aimed at enhancing ULRI’s thought leadership and advancing strategic objectives.
• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures using design of experiments (DOE) methodology to test and validate results.
• Apply extensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks.
• Exercise 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.
• Analyze data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data‑driven conclusions, and develop solutions.
• Conduct material synthesis, assembly/disassembly, and characterization across diverse material types, independently operating instrumentation and analyzing data.
• Communicate research outcomes through reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a key research collaborator and subject‑matter expert, supporting knowledge transfer, cross‑training, and partnership across teams.
• Stays abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.
• Assist with grant and proposal writing for funding or large‑scale instrument facility use.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• 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.

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated hands on battery (lithium‑ion technology and beyond)…