Research Scientist III - Materials Discovery Research Insititute

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

401(k) up to 5%

Retirement contribution 4%

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in Skokie, IL is seeking a Research Scientist III to translate manual procedures into scalable automated workflows for liquid and powder handling, synthesis, and analysis. You will enable high‑throughput exploration and instrument integration across multidisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes automation, data pipelines, and reproducibility, with responsibilities including design, validation, and documentation of experiments in a safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field such as Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Strong background in laboratory automation and high-throughput workflows.
• Experience with data analysis, software tools, and reproducible research.
• Experience designing and executing complex experiments with collaborating teams.
• Proficiency in Python or similar scientific programming language.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize automated chemistry and high-throughput workflows for materials discovery.
• Translate manual procedures into scalable automated processes and data pipelines.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory automation platforms and analytical instruments.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to advance automation-enabled research initiatives.
• Document SOPs, validation protocols, and experimental results for traceability.

Skills

Lab automation

Python programming

Data analysis

Experimental design

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

LIMS

ELN

API integration

JSON / SQL

Job description

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist III at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Research Scientist III role will translate manual procedures into reliable and scalable automated workflows involving liquid and powder dispensing, synthesis, heating, filtration, sample preparation, robotic transfer, and analytical characterization. They will also support the integration of instruments and robotic systems and develop software tools and data pipelines that improve experimental traceability, data quality, and interpretation. Working across multidisciplinary teams, the scientist will help advance high-throughput materials discovery in support of Materials Discovery mission to develop innovative materials for renewable energy, environmental sustainability, human health, and public safety.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

• Develop, optimize, validate, and execute automated chemistry and high-throughput experimentation workflows and high-throughput experimentation methods to support accelerated materials discovery
• Translate manual laboratory procedures into scalable automated workflows involving synthesis, sample preparation, materials handling, and characterization
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory automation platforms, robotic systems, and analytical instrumentation, ensuring safe, reliable, and reproducible operation
• Design and conduct experiments involving porous materials, inorganic materials, sorbents, catalysts, nanoparticles, and environmental materials while evaluating and interpreting experimental results to improve workflow performance and reproducibility
• Integrate automated synthesis workflows with laboratory instrumentation, robotic systems, and characterization techniques, including XRD, XRF, SEM, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and gas adsorption
• Develop SOPs, validation protocols, maintenance procedures, and technical documentation to support laboratory operations and best practices
• Collaborate with and provide technical guidance to scientists, engineers, data scientists, and external partners to advance automation-enabled materials discovery initiatives
• Contribute to technical reports, publications, presentations, grant proposals, and intellectual property
• Perform other duties as assigned

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:

• Strong knowledge of chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, troubleshoot, and interpret complex laboratory experiments.
• Experience with automated chemistry, high-throughput experimentation, or laboratory robotics.
• Understanding of chemical synthesis, liquid and powder handling, filtration, sample preparation, and experimental reproducibility.
• Working proficiency in Python or another scientific programming language.
• Experience with scientific data analysis, visualization, and structured data management.
• Familiarity with APIs, JSON, SQL, Git, LIMS, ELN, or instrument-integration technologies is preferred.
• Ability to connect scientific requirements with practical automation, software, and data solutions.
• Strong technical ownership, organization, documentation, and project-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional or postdoctoral experience.
• Hands-on experience in experimental chemistry or materials research is required.
• Experience using programming or scientific data-analysis tools in a laboratory setting is required.

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: $89,602.01-$123,202.76 Pay Type: Salary