Lead Computational Chemist

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Computational Chemist at UL Research Institutes Materials Discovery Research Institute, based in our Evanston, Illinois facilities.

The Lead Computational Chemist will evolve computational capabilities and machine learning within the Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI). The chemist will work with technical leaders within MDRI to develop computational materials chemistry for targeted materials design and discovery, enabling impactful research contributions to global challenges focused on sustainability and safety.

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 Lead Computational Chemist, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Lead and develop research programs to enable the targeted discovery of novel materials in applications such as energy storage and gas adsorption technologies, execute research, and communicate findings.

• Hire, lead, and develop a team of high-performing scientists and engineers to manage ongoing daily research, growth of research, and laboratory capabilities needed to support research programs

• Evolve computational capabilities to expedite the materials discovery process.

• Conduct computational research and amplify findings through publications, presentations, and reports.

• Contribute to materials discovery and technological advances in materials design through advanced computing R&D and application of state-of-the-art methodologies.

• Contribute to ongoing daily research and growth of research capabilities.

• Contribute to the evaluation of research staffing needs and recruitment of scientists.

• Develop external relationships and partnerships to achieve institute deliverables.

• Promote MDRI research and the NFP broader organization through participation in expert panels, speaking engagements, stakeholder events, and external and internal opportunities.

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:

• Demonstrated knowledge of computational chemistry, materials chemistry, and chemical engineering.

• Knowledge and experience of quantum, classical, and informatics methodologies relevant to materials chemistry.

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering technical presentations and achievement in peer-reviewed scientific journal publications.

• 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 6 years post PhD research experience or

• Master's degree plus 8 years directly related work experience or

• Bachelor's degree plus 12 years directly related work experience

• Experience in quantum, classical, and informatics methodologies relevant to materials chemistry.

• Experience in machine learning 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.

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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