Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist II - Materials Discovery Research Institute

UL Research Institutes•Skokie, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist II at UL Research Institutes, based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist will drive experimental research at the Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI), by developing and leading advanced materials synthesis and characterization research efforts. This role will focus on building robust synthesis workflows, mentoring a high-performing team, and collaborating across disciplines to accelerate the discovery and deployment of materials that address global challenges in sustainability, safety, and environmental health. UL Research Institutes: At UL Research Institutes, 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. Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Materials Discovery Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice. Materials Discovery Research Institute: The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) works to develop and deploy new materials with the potential to address current global safety challenges. Pursuing materials that will help produce transformational safety breakthroughs, MDRI harnesses the power of advanced computing and high-throughput experimental methods to create innovative materials that will produce resilience for a sustainable future and protect individual and societal health. We focus on today’s critical challenges, working to create new and better materials that will support renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Among our top priorities is research into materials capable of carbon capture and energy storage, with an eye toward reducing the adverse impacts of humanity’s reliance upon fossil fuel resources and enabling a transition to renewable energy sources. Above all, our research builds on our commitment to a safer, more sustainable future.

Requirements

Expert knowledge of materials synthesis techniques—including organic/inorganic synthesis, solid-state methods, and solution-based processing—across a range of material classes such as zeolites, hybrid materials (e.g., MOFs/COFs), mixed metal oxides, and other advanced functional materials.
Experience in material scale up and processing (forming, pelletizing, extruders), including execution of chemical reaction at TRL 4-5 scale – working up to and beyond 20L reactions
Strong experience with materials characterization tools such as powder XRD, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and catalysis.
Demonstrated success in leading scientific teams, securing funding, and delivering research programs aligned with organizational goals.
Problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and collaborate 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 processes 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 work in an innovative environment.
Must be a self-starter and possess excellent leadership qualities.
PhD in chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field of study plus 8 years post PhD research experience or Master’s degree plus 10 years directly related work experience or Bachelor’s degree plus 12 years directly related work experience

Nice To Haves

Experience with machine learning, data analytics, and high-throughput experimentation in materials development is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop research programs focused on the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of novel materials for applications in carbon capture, energy storage, environmental remediation, and related sustainability-driven fields.
Lead and mentor high-performing team of scientists and engineers, providing technical leadership and career development support.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across computational chemistry, data science, and application testing teams to drive interdisciplinary research.
Initiate and maintain partnerships with academia, government, and industry to define research priorities and enable the translation of materials innovations into real-world impact.
Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, patents, and presentations at scientific conferences.
Contribute to laboratory growth and operational planning, including staffing, budgeting, and equipment procurement.
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

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