Principal Computational Chemistry Research Scientist

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Computational Chemistry Research Scientist at UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), based in the Research Triangle Park area.

The Principal Computational Chemistry Research Scientist will serve as a senior technical expert contributing to the design, execution, and communication of advanced research efforts at the CIRI. This role leads high-impact projects in support of strategic initiatives that advance public health by assessing and mitigating human exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. This individual applies deep technical expertise in computational chemistry and environmental health to deliver actionable data, tools, and innovations that inform chemical safety, risk assessment, regulatory policy, and public awareness.

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 Chemical Insights team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI):

The Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) contributes to the protection of public health and well-being by conducting scientific research. Our research and initiatives let people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe and how they affect human health and the planet. We share our research and knowledge through information and application tools with leaders in the scientific, business, and policy communities to raise awareness of human health risks stemming from emerging technologies.

To learn more, visit: chemicalinsights.org

What you’ll learn and achieve:

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

• Lead the design, execution, and dissemination of complex computational chemistry research studies aligned with CIRI’s mission.

• Develop and apply advanced computational chemistry methods to provide predictions of chemical physicochemical, toxicity, exposure, and toxicokinetic properties.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including scientists, health professionals, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions.

• Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, including the development of educational and risk communication materials.

• Serve as a principal investigator or lead author on high-visibility projects, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers, post-docs, and interns in computational chemistry methods, study design, and analysis.

• Represent CIRI at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and technical forums.

• Continuously monitor emerging scientific research, technologies, and regulatory trends to inform strategy and maintain technical leadership in computational chemistry as applied to chemical safety.

• 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 over 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 missio