Lead Research Scientist I, Energy AI - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Rockville, MD

10d • Onsite

About The Position

UL Research Institutes is seeking Lead Research Scientists I, Energy AI to join their Electrochemical Safety Research Institute in Rockville, Maryland. This role involves leading and conducting research at the intersection of energy storage, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational science. The scientist will apply principles of physics-based modeling, machine/deep learning, digital twins, and high-performance computing to solve complex technical challenges. The goal is to investigate knowledge gaps, develop innovative predictive and optimization capabilities, and advance intelligent energy storage systems to enhance safety, performance, and resilience through science. UL Research Institutes is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of safety science for a more secure and sustainable world, with the Electrochemical Safety Research Institute specifically focusing on the safety and performance limits of energy technologies through discovery-driven research, innovation, testing, and modeling.

Requirements

• PhD in a related discipline and 6+ years of directly related post-degree experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated fundamental knowledge and independent thinking of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, and safety science.
• 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.

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 that are critical to advancing ESRI's mission of advancing safer energy storage systems through science.
• Investigates technical challenges at the intersection of energy storage and artificial intelligence: how to build intelligent digital twins that connect physical energy systems with AI, enabling them to learn, predict, optimize, and interact with the real world.
• Applies knowledge of electrochemistry, energy systems, physics-based modeling, ML/DL, control systems, data science, digital twins, and high-performance computing to research activities.
• Exercises sound scientific judgment in evaluating research findings and developing innovative approaches to complex energy storage challenges.
• 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 scenarios to evaluate hazards, validate findings, and support research objectives.
• Collaborate with outside research partners.
• Participates in associations and research/stakeholder organizations
• Develops and leads AI-enabled energy storage 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 and manager discussion)
• 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