Research Scientist II

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist II at UL Research Institutes (ULRI) Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), based in our Houston, TX facilities. The Research Scientist II will conduct literature reviews, designs and performs experiments, gather data, develop preliminary findings, and prepare written reports and presentations that support the research and development activities of ESRI. The Research Scientist II works closely with ESRI leaders and researchers, as well as external project collaborators, to carry out tests and analyses associated with battery energy harvesting and hybrid energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

At UL Research Institutes, we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Electrochemical Safety team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

The Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) investigates the safety and performance limits of energy technologies. Through our discovery-driven research, we innovate, test, model, and lay the foundation for electrochemical energy storage that is both safe and reliable. Our scientific research helps everyone in the energy storage and battery value chain—from cell and battery manufacturers, suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers to recyclers, shippers, and consumers—to understand and thereby help minimize the various 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, we disseminate information by convening a diverse group of stakeholders at events such as global battery summits and webinars to find data-driven solutions to new and emerging energy storage risks.

What you’ll learn and achieve

• Develop and execute independent research aimed at enhancing ULRI’s thought leadership and advancing strategic objectives.
• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures using design of experiments (DOE) methodology to test and validate results.
• Apply extensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks.
• Exercise 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.
• Analyze data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data-driven conclusions, and develop solutions.
• Conduct material synthesis, assembly/disassembly, and characterization across diverse material types, independently operating instrumentation and analyzing data.
• Communicate research outcomes through reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a key research collaborator and subject matter expert, supporting knowledge transfer, cross‑training, and partnership across teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.
• Assist with grant and proposal writing for funding or large‑scale instrument facility use.
• Perform other duties as directed.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.
• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are