Research Scientist III - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

About the role

The Research Scientist III position at UL Research Institutes Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) is based in Houston, TX. This role involves conducting literature reviews, designing and performing experiments, gathering data, developing preliminary findings, and preparing written reports and presentations supporting the research and development activities of ESRI.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and actively pursues the understanding of fundamental knowledge required to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.
• Uses design of experiment (DOE): plans, executes, and completes initial and follow-up procedures, as required, to test and validate results.
• Applies intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks.
• Exercises 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.
• Analyzes data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data-driven conclusions, and develop solutions.
• Handles and works with various materials (inorganic, organic, polymers, composites, solvents, etc.) for synthesis and (dis)assembly for characterization with independent operation of instrumentation setup and data collection and provides insights through data analyses.
• Internal and external dissemination of results in Microsoft Office formats and peer-reviewed journal publications; presentations at conferences, speaking engagements (podcast, webinars, teaching, panels, etc.), and other events representation.
• Is a point of contact on research projects, engages, collaborates, cross-trains, and guides partners and team members on related knowledge transfer based upon individual subject matter expertise.
• Stays abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.
• Aids in grant and proposal writing for funding or large-scale instrument facility use.

Requirements

• Demonstrated hands-on supercapacitor and battery (lithium-ion technology and beyond) research laboratory capabilities (including glovebox and dryroom technical operations) and knowledge (energy storage and conversion technologies, materials, and processes).
• Materials synthesis (solgel, 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, as well as familiarity with large-scale instrument beamtime (synchrotron x-rays, neutron) are a plus.
• Electrochemical expertise: electrode (mix, coat, calender, and slit/punch) and cell fabrication (Swagelok, coin, and pouch cell formats for two- and three-electrode setups), testing protocols (cycling, rate, conductivity, EIS / DCIR, CV, etc.) on different cyclers (Arbin, Gamry, Biologic, Neware, etc.), and advanced data analysis skills; cell teardown (DPA) knowhow is a plus.
• Related modeling experience and programming knowledge (VBA, python, etc.) are a plus.
• Ability to maintain science- and engineering-based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication, management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to be a self-motivated, independent researcher but actively collaborates with peers to complete a project from start to finish by efficiently meeting deliverables, timeline, and budget.
• Strong technical report writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 2 years of related experience post-degree.
• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 4 years of directly related experience post-degree.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of directly related experience post-degree.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with supercapacitor and battery research.
• Knowledge of materials synthesis and characterization techniques.
• Experience with design of experiments and data analysis.
• Proficiency in electrochemical testing and analysis.
• Programming and modeling skills (VBA, Python, etc.).
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

UL Research Institutes offers a competitive salary range of $89,602.01 - $123,202.76, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, a generous 401(k) matching structure, and paid time off.

Pay

$89,602.01 - $123,202.76

Schedule

N/A