Lead Research Scientist I, New Materials - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute
UL Research Institutes
Summary
The Lead Research Scientist I leads and executes electrochemical battery safety and energy storage research focused on addressing complex scientific challenges related to thermal runaway, fire behavior, battery materials, manufacturing, charging technologies, and system-level risks. Through experimental research, scientific leadership, and collaboration across the battery innovation ecosystem, this role advances knowledge, develops innovative material solutions, and supports safer energy storage technologies through science.
Job description
What you'll learn and achieve
- Lead and conduct energy-storage material research projects focused on safety by applying scientific principles and concepts that are critical to advancing ESRI's mission of advancing safer energy storage systems through science.
- Investigates complex scientific challenges related to high-temperature LFP batteries and electrolytes for better safety and higher energy efficiency to novel methods of recycling LFP batteries at scale.
- Identifies fundamental knowledge gaps in battery safety and energy storage systems, including the physics of thermal runaway, extreme fast charging, high-temperature LFP batteries, advanced electrolytes for improved safety and energy efficiency, and scalable battery recycling technologies, to advance ULRI's thought leadership and research strategy.
- Applies first-principles thinking, sound scientific judgment, and independent problem-solving skills to develop innovative approaches to real-world problems.
- 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 experiments and testing protocols to evaluate hazards, validate findings, and support research objectives.
- Collaborate with outside research partners.
- Participates in associations and research/stakeholder organizations.
- Contributes to and leads research analysis, experimental design, and technical execution of battery safety 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, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience
- 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
Benefits
- Bonus compensation
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life insurance
- 401(k) Matching
- Retirement saving fund
- Flexible working arrangements
- Paid time off
- Vacation days
- Holiday days
- Sick days
- Volunteer days
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.