Post-Doctoral Researcher - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Houston, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Researcher at UL Research Institutes (ULRI), Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) based in our Houston, TX, facilities. The Post-Doctoral Researcher will conduct independent research in preparation for a scientific career, supporting the energy storage and conversion safety research of ESRI. Responsibilities include literature review; experimental design and execution; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and preparation of technically sound, compliant reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations for battery‑related research projects. This two‑year postdoctoral appointment supports research programs focused on lithium‑ion battery recycling, critical materials regeneration, and advanced battery technologies. The position contributes to laboratory‑based research that integrates chemistry, electrochemistry, and safety science to develop sustainable, safe, advanced technologies with real‑world relevance. The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with ESRI scientists and external collaborators in a basic research environment, supporting multidisciplinary research efforts and contributing to the Institute’s mission of advancing safety science and sustainability in energy storage systems.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering conferred within three years of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
• Experience in a chemistry and battery research lab is required.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with battery materials, advanced battery technologies, electrochemistry, inert atmosphere manipulation, research laboratory operations, and battery recycling processes.
• Handle and work with a range of materials (including inorganic, organic, polymeric, composite materials, and solvents) for battery (dis)assembly and characterization; independently operates laboratory instrumentation, conducts data collection, and interprets results through data analysis.
• Ability to support research in a chemistry laboratory environment, including materials characterization and analysis using techniques such as PXRD, FTIR, GC MS, ARC, SEM EDX, TGA DSC, rheology, moisture analysis, optical imaging, flash point measurements, and flame studies.
• Demonstrate electrochemical research experience, including electrode preparation (mixing, coating, calendaring, slitting/punching), cell fabrication (Swagelok, coin, and pouch cell formats), and execution of testing protocols (cycling, rate capability, conductivity, EIS/DCIR, CV, etc.) using battery cyclers and potentiostats (e.g., Arbin, Gamry, Bio Logic, Neware), with strong data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work as a self-motivated and independent researcher while actively collaborating with peers to execute projects from initiation through completion, meeting defined deliverables and timelines.
• Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality technical reports and serve as a lead or contributing author on peer-reviewed publications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in battery recycling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct hands‑on experimental research related to battery recycling, regeneration of critical materials, and advanced battery technologies in compliance with institutional, ULRI, and federal regulations.
• Perform laboratory testing, data analysis, and technical documentation to evaluate recycling processes, including hydrometallurgical and direct recycling, in accordance with ULRI safety and quality standards.
• Apply chemistry, electrochemistry, and chemical engineering principles to meet research objectives and exercise scientific and engineering concepts.
• Analyze complex and novel technical problems by developing or adapting experimental techniques and methods; recommend data-driven solutions.
• Support the dissemination of research through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, data visualizations, and conference presentations in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Build foundational technical expertise to support ULRI’s research strategy and thought leadership in battery safety and sustainability.
• Collaborate with and provide technical guidance to research partners and colleagues to support knowledge transfer based on subject matter expertise.
• Maintain current awareness of developments in the field through review of scientific literature, industry publications, safety-related information, and participation in relevant technical or academic conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree