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

UL Research Institutes • Marietta, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for 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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrates 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.

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.

Benefits

• bonus compensation
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• flexible working arrangements
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree