Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist II at UL Research Institutes, based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist will drive experimental research at the Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI), by developing and leading advanced materials synthesis and characterization research efforts. This role will focus on building robust synthesis workflows, mentoring a high-performing team, and collaborating across disciplines to accelerate the discovery and deployment of materials that address global challenges in sustainability, safety, and environmental health.
UL Research Institutes:
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 Materials Discovery Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.
Materials Discovery Research Institute:
The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) works to develop and deploy new materials with the potential to address current global safety challenges. Pursuing materials that will help produce transformational safety breakthroughs, MDRI harnesses the power of advanced computing and high-throughput experimental methods to create innovative materials that will produce resilience for a sustainable future and protect individual and societal health.
We focus on today’s critical challenges, working to create new and better materials that will support renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Among our top priorities is research into materials capable of carbon capture and energy storage, with an eye toward reducing the adverse impacts of humanity’s reliance upon fossil fuel resources and enabling a transition to renewable energy sources.
Above all, our research builds on our commitment to a safer, more sustainable future.
What you’ll learn and achieve:
As the Lead Materials Synthesis Chemist II you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:
Lead and develop research programs focused on the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of novel materials for applications in carbon capture, energy storage, environmental remediation, and related sustainability-driven fields.
Lead and mentor high-performing team of scientists and engineers, providing technical leadership and career development support.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across computational chemistry, data science, and application testing teams to drive interdisciplinary research.
Initiate and maintain partnerships with academia, government, and industry to define research priorities and enable the translation of materials innovations into real-world impact.
Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, patents, and presentations at scientific conferences.
Contribute to laboratory growth and operational planning, including staffing, budgeting, and equipment procurement.
Perform other duties as directed.
What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.
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 eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
What makes you a great fit:
While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:
Expert knowledge of materials synthesis techniques—including organic/inorganic synthesis, solid-state methods, and solution-based processing—across a range of material classes such as zeolites, hybrid materials (e.g., MOFs/COFs), mixed metal oxides, and other advanced functional materials.
Experience in material scale up and processing (forming, pelletizing, extruders), including execution of chemical reaction at TRL 4-5 scale – working up to and beyond 20L reactions
Strong experience with materials characterization tools such as powder XRD, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and catalysis.
Demonstrated success in leading scientific teams, securing funding, and delivering research programs aligned with organizational goals.
Problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.
Strong management, initiative, and influence skills to create alignment with multiple stakeholders and deliver results in a matrix organization.
Positive and collaborative attitude and interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.
Engaging and approachable management style to lead and develop a high-performing team, setting high standards and accountability for processes and results.
High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its areas of specialization.
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work in an innovative environment.
Must be a self-starter and possess excellent leadership qualities.
Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:
PhD in chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field of study plus 8 years post PhD research experience or
Master’s degree plus 10 years directly related work experience or
Bachelor’s degree plus 12 years directly related work experience
Experience with machine learning, data analytics, and high-throughput experimentation in materials development is preferred.
About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement
UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.
To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.
Salary Range:
$119,260.28-$163,982.88
Pay Type:
Salary