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Purpose:

The Lead Scientist plays a role in advancing UL’s sustainability objectives by conducting self-directed research, analysis, and early-stage development of sustainability services across key market sectors. This position is dedicated to developing and refining sustainability standards, metrics, and protocols, providing technical expertise in areas like life cycle assessment (LCA), product carbon footprinting, resource efficiency, and circularity. The role is also responsible for identifying and piloting innovative methodologies and tools to enhance UL’s sustainability science capabilities, fostering collaboration across internal teams, and effectively communicating technical insights to stakeholders. Additionally, the Lead Scientist actively engages with external organizations to maintain UL’s thought leadership in sustainability science and contributes to collaborative projects that reinforce UL’s reputation and impact in the field.

Responsibilities

Research and analysis:

Design and execute applied research projects to assess and improve sustainability practices at product and systems levels. Apply quantitative methods and analytical tools to evaluate environmental and social impacts.

Standards and framework development:

Support the development and refinement of sustainability-related standards, metrics, and protocols. Conduct literature reviews, benchmark best practices, and contribute to technical criteria that define credible sustainability performance.

Technical expertise and Communication:

Provide subject matter expertise in one or more domains such as LCA, product carbon footprinting, recyclability, circular economy, sustainable materials, or related methodologies. Translate technical findings into actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders. Prepare reports, white papers, and presentations to support client projects, standards development, and thought leadership.

Innovation and improvement:

Identify opportunities to strengthen UL’s sustainability science capabilities. Develop and pilot new methods, tools, or approaches that address emerging industry needs and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration across teams:

Work closely with colleagues across sustainability services, certification, engineering, testing, and external partnerships. Share knowledge and contribute to joint projects that deliver business and societal impact.

External engagement:

Represent UL externally through technical working groups and standards committees related to sustainability topics. Build relationships with external organizations (standards bodies, industry consortia, academic institutions, and NGOs) to stay current on sustainability science trends, contribute to collaborative projects, and enhance UL’s thought leadership.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Skills

+ Minimum B.S. degree from an accredited university, advanced degree preferred (Master’s or Ph.D.) in engineering, physical sciences, sustainability, environmental science, industrial ecology, or a related scientific discipline.

+ 3–6 years of relevant professional experience in connecting sustainability innovation to core business value.

+ Demonstrated expertise in at least one core sustainability science area (e.g., life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, circular economy, material health, sustainable design, etc).

+ Awareness of cross-sector collaborations relevant to key environmental sustainability challenges.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in sustainability assessment tools, databases, and/or data analysis software.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.

+ Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

+ Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

+ Demonstrated curiosity, innovation, and commitment to continuous improvement.

What we offer:

+ Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $123,900-165,200 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

Learn More:

Curious? To learn more about us and the work we do, visit our company page www.UL.com

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A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

UL LLC has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. To assure full implementation of this equal employment policy, we will take steps to assure that:

Persons are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, color, age, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy, marital or familial status, or any other protected category under applicable law.