Research Scientist III - Electrochemical Safety Research Insitute

UL Research Institutes • Houston, TX

1d • $89,602 - $123,203 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist III conducts experiments or develops theoretical models, develops preliminary findings, prepares written reports, and provides subject matter expertise that supports the research of Electrochemical Safety. Collaborating closely with Electrochemical Safety leaders and researchers, the Research Scientist III contributes to research on battery safety science and other energy storage systems, ensuring that all procedures are accurate and technically rigorous. UL Research Institutes (ULRI) expands the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For over 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. The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies. Through discovery-driven research, ESRI innovates, tests, models, and lays the foundation for electrochemical energy storage that is both safe and reliable. ESRI's scientific research helps everyone in the energy storage and battery value chain understand and minimize the safety risks associated with batteries in various applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Collaborating with a wide variety of partners to help meet the world’s energy safety needs, ESRI disseminates information by convening stakeholders at events such as global battery summits and webinars to find data-driven solutions to new and emerging energy storage risks.

Requirements

• Demonstrated general knowledge of electrochemical engineering, energy storage, battery safety and/or safety of other energy technologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting experiments examining performance and safety of energy storage technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain engineering based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills required.
• Experience with electrochemical testing protocols (such cycling, EIS/DCIR, etc.), using battery test instruments (such as cyclers), and cell teardown analysis (or destructive physical analysis).
• Advanced data analysis skills.
• Ability to collaborate with academic teams, peers and Research Scientists and other team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.
• Strong technical writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 2 years of experience post-degree or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; plus 4 years of directly related experience post-degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of directly related experience post degree.
• Experience working with lithium-ion or other battery chemistries, required.

Responsibilities

• Is equipped with the fundamental knowledge needed to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.
• Applies intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering and safety science concepts to the specific research tasks.
• Exercises a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods.
• Plans and conducts experiments focused on energy storage safety science, with an emphasis on lithium-ion batteries, other battery chemistries, and hydrogen systems.
• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures as needed to conduct experiments.
• Analyzes test results to determine trends and develop solutions.
• Keeps up with evolving technologies in the field by reading scientific journals, staying informed on recent publications, and attending academic and technical conferences.
• Serves as a point of contact on research projects: engage, collaborate, cross-train and guide partners and team members on related knowledge transfer based on individual subject matter expertise.
• Work with students in academic collaborations and other collaborator teams.
• Present research results internally, and at conferences and workshops.
• Supports the development of new research proposals and funding for grant applications.
• 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
• flexible working arrangements
• 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