Research Scientist II - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist II at UL Research Institutes, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute, based in Houston, TX. The role involves literature reviews, experiment design and execution, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of reports and presentations that support ESRI’s research on battery energy harvesting and hybrid energy storage systems.

• Develop and execute independent research to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and strategic objectives.
• Plan, design, and complete procedures using design‑of‑experiments methodology to test and validate results.
• Apply engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to research tasks.
• Formulate, evaluate, and correlate broad engineering concepts and guide the analysis of unique problems, developing new 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.
• Stay abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, and attending academic conferences.
• Assist with grant and proposal writing for funding or large‑scale instrument facility use.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency.
• Engage in interesting, mission‑driven work that pushes the boundaries of human understanding.
• Grow and achieve through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
• Live core values of collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence.
• Receive total rewards: bonus compensation, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, a generous 401(k) matching, additional retirement contributions, paid time off, and flexible working arrangements (where applicable).

• Hands‑on battery research laboratory capabilities, including glovebox and dry‑room operations, and knowledge of energy‑storage technologies.
• Experience with thin‑film flexible cells, low‑power, solid‑state, or micro‑scale energy storage systems.
• Materials synthesis (sol‑gel, solvent, powder processing, ball‑milling, CVD, etc.), characterization (PXRD, FTIR, GC‑MS, ARC, SEM‑EDX, TGA‑DSC, rheology, moisture analysis, optical imaging, etc.), and analysis experience.
• Profile matching and Rietveld refinement expertise; familiarity with large‑scale instrument beamtime (synchrotron X‑rays, neutron) is a plus.
• Electrochemical expertise: electrode fabrication and cell testing protocols (cycling, rate, conductivity, EIS, CV, etc.) on various cyclers, and advanced data analysis skills; cell teardown (DPA) know‑how is a plus.
• Related modeling experience and programming knowledge (VBA, Python, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to maintain science‑ and engineering‑based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication, management, and organizational skills.
• Self‑motivated, independent researcher who collaborates effectively to meet deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
• Strong technical report writing skills and the capability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering plus six (6) years of directly related experience.
• Master’s degree in the same fields plus two (2) years of directly related experience.
• Ph.D. in the same fields.

$81,456.37–$

Salary