Research Scientist III - Computational Modeling

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist III - Computational Modeling at UL Research Institutes, based in our Skokie, Illinois, office.

The Research Scientist III - Computational conducts computational modeling and cheminformatics research, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports supporting the Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) research. The Research Scientist III works closely with other MDRI leaders and researchers to carry out simulations associated with eco-remediation and renewable energy fields.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), 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 teams 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 Research Scientist III - Computational Modeling, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Design and execute detailed quantum mechanical studies and high-throughput computational screening of next-generation, high-performance, economically feasible materials to address eco-remediation-related challenges such as water purification, harvesting, and decontamination of natural resources, and renewable energy beyond lithium-ion batteries, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.

• Collect and analyze data from computational simulations and experiments using or developing advanced computational workflows, databases, and software. Interpret results and draw conclusions to contribute to advancing knowledge in these fields.

• Apply broad and deep knowledge of scientific principles to specific research tasks.

• Document computational procedures and results, prepare detailed internal reports, present findings, and disseminate results in the form of peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, etc.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, physicists, material scientists, engineers, and other researchers.

• Design and propose theory-guided experiments and drive collaborative work with experimental partners.

• Stay current with the latest advancements in these fields by reading journals and scientific publications and attending external conferences and seminars.

• Propose innovative research ideas and projects contributing to the field's development.

• Assist in writing research proposals for external funding.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support MDRI's mission of advancing materials innovation for safety and sustainability.

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:

• Expertise in quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, or molecular dynamics.

• Knowledge of chemistry, materials science, computer science, or other related fields.

• Proficiency in independently conducting research, overseeing all project stages from inception to completion, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals or patents.

• Effective communication of complex atomistic simulations, chemical, and physics concepts to audiences with varying technical expertise.

• Experience working with atomistic simulation tools in high-performance computing clusters or cloud-computing resources.

• Demonstrated ability to predict electrochemical or material properties from ab initio data or develop quantitative frameworks that bridge atomistic simulation and experimental results.

• Experience in the study of catalyzed reactions, chemical degradation, gas adsorption, or related kinetic processes.

• Proficiency in utilizing data science/machine learning tools to design new molecules or materials with targeted properties.

• Fluency in one or more programming languages combined with software or database development, such as Python, C++, or Fortran.

• A proven track record of innovation within the atomistic simulation realm, showcasing the ability to identify novel applications for atomistic simulation in product development and to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial technologies.

• Proficiency in quickly learning new skills or fields of study.

• Strong ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams coupled with solid work ethics.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• A Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or another related field and at least 4 years of experience after PhD must be completed by the start of the appointment for this role.

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.

Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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