Research Scientist I - Materials Discovery Research Institute

The Material Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes, is recruiting a Research Scientist I. This position is located in our Skokie, IL labs.

In this role, the Research Scientist I, under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, will work to facilitate the operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization instrumentation to support other groups in the institute to execute the synthesis and characterization of materials.

At Underwriters Laboratories, we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. Underwriters Laboratories stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law. 

• Assist research scientists in executing designed high-throughput synthesis experiments.
• Prepare and handle chemical reagents, compounds, and samples for analysis, ensuring accuracy and safety.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for experimental protocols, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.
• Assist in the calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, promptly reporting any technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and data scientists, to support integrated lab processes.
• Participate in the upkeep of the lab environment, including ordering and organizing supplies and maintaining cleanliness and safety.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with safety protocols and industry regulations.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Fundamental knowledge and proficiency in materials science or analytical chemistry, including the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.
• Hands on experience in the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation, such as diffractometers, adsorption apparatus, combinatorial automation equipment, spectrometers etc.
• General knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with colleagues.
• Excellent time and project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously with the ability to adapt to new challenges quickly.
• Positive and collaborative attitude with exceptional interpersonal skills for effective teamwork across the organization.
• High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its specialized areas.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in an innovative environment. 

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field of study.
• Hands-on experience in a wet chemistry laboratory.
• Experience in organic synthesis is preferred.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 129 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. We provide Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that UL contributes to twice per year! Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

UL Research Institutes is an affiliated nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Inc., advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Inc., which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.