Research Scientist IV

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for Research Scientist IV at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland, office.

The Research Scientist IV analyzes data, builds software tools, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports that supports the research of the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and the development of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). The Research Scientist IV works closely with other FSRI leaders and researchers to deliver analytics, geospatial outputs, and other information dissemination associated with fire dynamics, fire safety, and emergency response. 

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 Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we share with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Research Scientist IV, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Utilize tools, resources and software programs to further the mission and vision of FSRI in support of the fire service and greater public.

• Identify fundamental knowledge needed to enhance ULRI’s thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.

• Apply intense and diverse knowledge of data, information analysis, geospatial outputs and other systems/resources to assist with various research projects and safety initiatives that exercises a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating complex concepts into outputs that aid in understanding and adoption by the greater fire service and ancillary organizations. 

• Analyze product data and laboratory test results to determine trends and develop solutions.

• Provide key input to technical projects, using information from experience and education to positively impact the fire service. 

• Stay ahead of changing technologies, in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, and attending academic conferences.

• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures as needed to test and validate results.

• Work with students and teams.

• Assist with the development of education and informational materials to understand data, research, and other findings.

• Present information and findings in various venues as necessary.

• 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:

• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency response, fire behavior, community risk reduction, geospatial outputs.

• Demonstrated ability to apply academic knowledge, experience, and other educational opportunities to support, lead or improve fire safety and risk analysis. 

• Diverse software skills and familiarity with programs supporting emergency response analysis and community risk reduction.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain science based academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Excellent communication skills required.

• Advanced data analysis skills.

• Advanced instrument design, installation, and programming skills.

• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Scientists and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.

• Ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

 Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public health, fire prevention engineering, mechanical engineering, geographic information systems, public policy, public administration, or a related field plus 10 or more years of directly related work experience or

• Master’s degree in in fire science, public health, fire prevention engineering, mechanical engineering, geographic information systems, public policy, public administration, or a related field plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience.

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.

Salary Range:

$98,562.21-$135,523.04

Pay Type:

Salary