Lead Research Scientist I, Energy AI - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute
UL Research Institutes
Summary
The Lead Research Scientist I leads and conducts research at the intersection of energy storage, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational science by applying scientific principles, physics-based modeling, machine/deep learning, digital twins, and high-performance computing to address complex technical challenges. This role investigates fundamental knowledge gaps, develops innovative predictive and optimization capabilities, and advances intelligent energy storage systems that improve safety, performance, and resilience through science.
Job description
What you'll learn and achieve
- Leads and conducts energy-storage research projects focused on safety by applying scientific principles and concepts critical to advancing ESRI's mission of advancing safer energy storage systems through science.
- Investigates technical challenges at the intersection of energy storage and artificial intelligence: how to build intelligent digital twins that connect physical energy systems with AI, enabling them to learn, predict, optimize, and interact with the real world.
- Applies knowledge of electrochemistry, energy systems, physics-based modeling, ML/DL, control systems, data science, digital twins, and high-performance computing to research activities.
- Exercises sound scientific judgment in evaluating research findings and developing innovative approaches to complex energy storage challenges.
- Maintains awareness of emerging tools, safety research, regulatory developments, and scientific advances by reading the literature and attending academic conferences.
- Plans, designs, and executes battery safety scenarios to evaluate hazards, validate findings, and support research objectives.
- Collaborates with outside research partners.
- Participates in associations and research/stakeholder organizations.
- Develops and leads AI-enabled energy storage research programs across the battery innovation ecosystem.
- Contributes to and/or leads other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.
What makes you a great fit
- Demonstrated fundamental knowledge and independent thinking of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, and safety science.
- Demonstrated independent problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills required.
- Advanced instrument design, installation, programming, and data analysis skills.
- Ability to collaborate with peers and work with team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.
- Ability to serve as lead author on high-impact papers and reports.
Professional education and experience requirements
PhD in a related discipline and 6+ years of directly related post-degree experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience.
Requirements
- PhD in a related discipline
- 6+ years of directly related post-degree experience
- Demonstrated fundamental knowledge and independent thinking of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, and safety science
- Demonstrated independent problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Advanced instrument design, installation, programming, and data analysis skills
- Ability to collaborate with peers and work with team members to complete a project from start to finish
- Ability to serve as lead author on high-impact papers and reports
Benefits
- Bonus compensation
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Matching up to 5%
- Additional 4% Retirement Contribution
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday, Sick & Volunteer Days
- Flexible Working Arrangements
Company overview
UL Research Institutes is a leading independent safety science organization with global reach, established in 1894 as part of the UL enterprise. Dedicated to exploring vital questions related to public safety, the organization senses and acts on risks to humanity and our planet through rigorous scientific research. As one of three distinct organizations within the UL enterprise alongside UL Solutions and UL Standards & Engagement, UL Research Institutes focuses on discovery-driven investigations across multiple scientific disciplines. The organization conducts research in electrochemical safety science, fire science, chemical and environmental safety, data science, and emerging technologies. Their work supports the development of practical safety standards and policies while addressing urgent safety problems including environmental pollution, artificial intelligence inequities, and sustainable technology deployment. With a global network of scientists and safety professionals, UL Research Institutes defines the safe and sustainable use of materials ranging from legacy devices to new technologies, advancing safety science for the greater good through objective, evidence-based research.