Director of Research, Center for Toxicology and Human Health - Chemical Insights Research Institute

We have an exciting opportunity for the Director of Research, Center for Toxicology and Human Health at UL Research Institutes Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), based in our Marietta, GA (Atlanta area) facilities.

About the role

The Director of Research, Center for Toxicology and Human Health provides scientific and operational leadership for Chemical Insights' research portfolio, advancing understanding of how chemical exposures affect human health through the integration of toxicology and molecular epidemiology. The Director establishes and executes Chemical Insights’ strategic research vision; oversees laboratory, clinical, and population-based research programs; and ensures the delivery of high-quality, impactful science.

Working across disciplines, the Director advances innovative approaches that connect mechanistic toxicology, biomarkers of exposure and effect, and human health outcomes associated with real-world chemical exposures from products and the indoor and outdoor environment. As a visible scientific leader, the Director communicates research findings through publications, presentations, partnerships, and educational resources to inform scientific, public health, industry, regulatory, and policy audiences. Collaborating across UL Research Institutes and with external partners, the Director accelerates high-impact research, strengthens research capabilities, and enhances Chemical Insights’ reputation as a trusted scientific authority.

About 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.

About Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI)

The Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) contributes to the protection of public health and well-being by conducting scientific research. Our research and initiatives let people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe and how they affect human health and the planet. We share our research and knowledge through information and application tools with leaders in the scientific, business, and policy communities to raise awareness of human health risks stemming from emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year research agenda focused on the mechanisms of chemical toxicity, biomarkers of exposure and effect, and the human health effects of complex chemical exposures in the indoor and outdoor environment and the products people use.
• Direct the development and refinement of toxicological testing methodologies to identify mechanisms leading to adverse health effects.
• Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of in vitro toxicological studies on aerosol, volatile, and non-volatile chemical releases from consumer products, indoor/outdoor environments, and complex matrices.
• Provide strategic scientific oversight of molecular epidemiology research programs that evaluate the impact of chemical exposures on human health, identify susceptible populations, and elucidate mechanisms linking exposure to disease.
• Lead the integration of “omics” data with clinical, exposure, and toxicological data to evaluate potential human health outcomes and elucidate mechanistic pathways.
• Develop partnerships with external organizations to use electronic health records, exposure data, and biobank samples to understand impacts of chemical exposures on human health.
• Oversee the operation of the Center’s laboratory, including instrumentation strategy, methodologies, quality, safety, and compliance to enable high-fidelity toxicology and molecular epidemiology research.
• Communicate and translate research findings for scientific, practitioner, policy, and stakeholder audiences through publications, presentations, and educational resources to broaden impact and influence.
• Establish and sustain strategic partnerships with academia, government, public health institutes, and industry to co-develop agendas, conduct research, and broaden impact.
• Serve as CIRI’s technical lead and ambassador, contributing to expert panels, speaking engagements, and stakeholder events to advance mission and reputation.
• Hire, lead, and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of scientists and/or engineers; set clear goals, coach for performance, support employee growth and development, build and maintain high employee engagement, and cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusion.
• Collaborate with colleagues within CIRI, including leaders in other scientific areas, partnerships, and communications, to pursue a shared vision and strategy for the Institute.
• Collaborate across UL Research Institutes and enterprise partners to ensure alignment, share best practices, and enable high-quality scientific outputs. Participate in department-specific and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Develop and manage budgets for research initiatives, laboratory capabilities, staffing, and dissemination activities; optimize resources for impact.

Work Environment

• People: Work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network through collaborative approaches across disciplines, organizations, and geographies.
• Interesting work: Push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good, tackling varied challenges daily.
• Grow and achieve: Learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs guided by core values: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence.

Benefits

• All employees are eligible for bonus compensation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay, with an additional 4% contribution into your retirement savings fund after your first year of continuous employment.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements depending on role.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in molecular toxicology or molecular epidemiology, with demonstrated scientific proficiency in the complementary discipline and the ability to integrate both approaches to advance human health research.
• Demonstrated understanding of chemistry, exposure science, and their application to human health research.
• Demonstrated skills in integrating complex molecular endpoints, such as genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, or metabolomic measurements, to understand mechanisms linking chemical exposure to human disease.
• Proven ability to establish and execute multi-year research strategy, translate into programs, and deliver results in complex, mission-driven environments.
• Demonstrated strength in laboratory governance (quality, safety, compliance), instrumentation road-mapping, and efficient project delivery, as well as effective budgeting and resource management.
• Engaging, approachable leader who builds high-performing teams; sets standards and accountability; and develops talent.
• Strong interpersonal skills that enable and promote strong collaboration at all levels in the organization, within and across teams.
• Excellent written/oral communication with a track record of publications and technical presentations; effective at translating science for varied audiences.
• Proven ability to create and sustain strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Sound judgment and data-informed decision-making, using scientific evidence and organizational metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• High degree of curiosity about CIRI’s mission and the broader ULRI impact; models integrity, safety, and ethical research practices.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Toxicology, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Computational Biology, or related field; post-doctoral experience in one of the listed fields strongly preferred.
• Minimum 12 years post-graduate scientific experience with a record of peer-reviewed publications and impactful research translation.
• Minimum 8 years leading laboratory operations and scientific teams; demonstrated success scaling capabilities and managing complex portfolios.
• Experience developing research plans and conducting toxicological or epidemiological studies.

Pay

Salary range: $144,304.94 - $198,419.29