Research Scientist II - Fire Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Columbia, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist II conducts experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports. The Research Scientist II works closely with other researchers to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound. 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. UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, FSRI is committed to sharing its fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with its international network of partners, FSRI shares with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property.

Requirements

• Demonstrated general knowledge of relevant engineering and scientific disciplines, with the ability to continuously maintain and advance both academic and applied technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to operate GC‑MS systems—preferably Agilent GC‑MS with a Gerstel Autosampler—and to analyze data and support GC‑MS method development.
• Demonstrated knowledge for a range of sampling techniques for gaseous, solid, and liquid samples.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a liquid chromatography system and analyze data.
• Demonstrated ability to operate an FTIR and analyze data.
• Knowledge of toxicology and thermal decomposition of materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Advanced data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify trends, and draw technically defensible conclusions.
• Advanced capabilities in instrument design, system installation, troubleshooting, and programming to support custom research and experimental needs.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers, Scientists, and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as lead author on technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications, including coordinating contributor input and ensuring scientific rigor.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience, or Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience, or Doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 0 years of postdoctoral, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Identifies fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL’s thought leadership and support the strategy of UL.
• Document laboratory procedures, prepare detailed reports, and evaluate technical specifications and factors related to the process or design objectives.
• Identify and recommend hardware and equipment needed for operations, and equipment for general lab and study specific use.
• Stays ahead of changing technologies in the field by reading journals and scientific publications and attending academic conferences.
• Gathers initial data for projects and works with Research Engineers and Scientists to conduct research.
• Assist with publications.
• Operate independently in the lab/field.
• Can assist with data collection and initial analysis.
• Performs 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
• 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