Laboratory Manager - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Houston, TX

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Manager oversees the utilization and maintenance of the Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) laboratory that includes equipment, systems, space and safety, and administration to ensure compliance in all facets of laboratory operations. The Laboratory Manager reports to the Director of Laboratory Operations, ESRI and will work closely with other leaders, researchers and colleagues across the research organization to advance operational excellence. The Laboratory Manager also provides oversight to Laboratory Technicians and Analytical Chemists, ensuring alignment of day-to-day technical support, analytical operations, and compliance with ESRI research priorities. UL Research Institutes (ULRI) expands the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, ULRI has studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared its findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. ULRI identifies critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because it believes a safer world begins with knowledge. The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies. Through its discovery-driven research, ESRI innovates, tests, models, and lays the foundation for electrochemical energy storage that is both safe and reliable. ESRI's scientific research helps everyone in the energy storage and battery value chain understand and minimize the safety risks associated with batteries in various applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Collaborating with a wide variety of partners to help meet the world’s energy safety needs, ESRI disseminates information by convening a diverse group of stakeholders at events such as global battery summits and webinars to find data-driven solutions to new and emerging energy storage risks.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge in laboratory management, equipment, space, safety, compliance, and oversight of multi-disciplinary staff.
• Must be a self-starter and possess excellent leadership qualities.
• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.
• Strong management, initiative, and influence skills to create alignment with multiple stakeholders and deliver results in a matrix organization.
• Positive and collaborative attitude and interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Engaging and approachable management style to lead and develop a high performing team, setting high standards and accountability for process and results.
• High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its areas of specialization.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to operate at a high level, including attention to detail, ability to multitask and work on tight deadlines.
• Maintain focus on quality, speed, and outcomes with a willingness to both lead the work and execute.
• Proficiency in MS Office is required.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field required plus preferably at least 8 years’ experience within a laboratory environment.
• Minimum 4 years management or leadership experience.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint, and knowledge of analytical tools and databases are preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA/DSC, ARC) and battery testing equipment (potentiostats, cyclers, gloveboxes, welding/soldering tools).
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary laboratory teams including technicians and analytical chemists is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and analytical equipment, ensuring quality standards and arranging repair/replacement when needed. This includes advanced instrumentation such as GC-MS, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA/DSC, ARC, potentiostats, Arbin cyclers, gloveboxes, and thermal chambers, coordinated through Analytical Chemists and Laboratory Technicians.
• Supervise research staff compliance with lab safety training, technical procedures, instrumentation use, and data handling practices.
• Manage laboratory supplies by monitoring inventory, ordering, verifying receipt, and ensuring safe handling/disposal of hazardous materials.
• Maintain lab productivity by prioritizing tasks, monitoring workload, adjusting staffing, and supporting timely task completion.
• Ensure quality assurance and data integrity through ESRI programs, data reviews, proficiency surveys, and policy/procedure updates.
• Maintain and improve laboratory information systems, including testing, documentation, training, and ensuring security/confidentiality.
• Communicate regularly with facility managers and supervisors regarding requests, activities, and issues requiring special attention.
• Lead daily task run-throughs with lab staff, assessing progress at the end of each day.
• Implement new programs, tests, instrumentation, and procedures by evaluating alternatives, preparing proposals, and monitoring progress.
• Support professional and administrative development by staying current through workshops/publications, providing on-call management, and contributing to team outcomes.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

• bonus compensation
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees