Lead Research Scientist I, Battery Safety - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Rockville, MD

9d • Onsite

About The Position

UL Research Institutes is seeking Lead Research Scientists I, Battery Safety to join its Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) in Maryland. This role focuses on advancing safer energy storage systems through scientific research. The Lead Research Scientist I will investigate complex scientific and technical challenges in battery safety, identify knowledge gaps, and develop innovative research approaches through experimental investigation, scientific leadership, and collaboration. UL Research Institutes (ULRI) is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world by studying the unintended consequences of innovation, mitigating risks, and sharing findings. ESRI specifically investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies, aiming to make electrochemical energy storage safe and reliable. The institute collaborates with various partners across the energy storage value chain and disseminates information through events and webinars to address emerging risks.

Requirements

• Demonstrated fundamental knowledge and independent thinking of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, battery safety and safety of other energy technologies.
• Demonstrated independent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Advanced instrument design, installation, programming, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and work with team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.
• Ability to serve as lead author on high-impact papers and reports.
• PhD in a related discipline and 6+ years of directly related post-degree experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• While this position is posted at the Lead level, exceptional candidates may be considered for a different level based on their experience, expertise, and demonstrated impact.

Responsibilities

• Leads and conducts energy-storage research projects focused on safety by applying scientific principles and concepts critical to advancing ESRI's mission of advancing safer energy storage systems through science.
• Investigates scientific challenges from the physics of thermal runaway and fire to materials, cell safety, manufacturing, diagnostics, and system-level risks associated with e.g. extreme fast charging.
• Identifies fundamental knowledge gaps in battery safety, including thermal runaway, fire behavior, materials, cell safety, manufacturing processes, diagnostics, charging technologies, and system-level risks to advance ULRI's thought leadership and research strategy.
• Applies first-principles thinking, sound scientific judgment, and independent problem-solving skills to develop innovative approaches to real-world problems.
• Maintains awareness of emerging tools, safety research, regulatory developments, and scientific advances by reading the literature, and attending academic conferences.
• Plans, designs, and executes battery safety experiments and testing protocols to evaluate hazards, validate findings, and support research objectives.
• Collaborate with outside research partners.
• Participates in associations and research/stakeholder organizations.
• Contributes to and leads research analysis, experimental design, and technical execution of battery safety research programs across the battery innovation ecosystem.
• Contributes to and/or leads other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

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 (depending on role, to be discussed with manager)
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

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