What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Laboratory Cellular Profiling Research Scientist - Chemical Insights R position at ULRI?
Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Laboratory Cellular Profiling Research Scientist at UL Research Institutes, based in our Research Triangle Park, NC facilities. The Principal Laboratory Cellular Profiling Research Scientist will serve as a senior technical expert contributing to the design, execution, and communication of advanced high-throughput in vitro toxicology screening research efforts at the Chemical Insights Research Institute (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. The ideal candidate brings laboratory expertise in high-throughput applications for cell-based screening, e.g. high-throughput transcriptomics and/or high content imaging assays using semi-automated or automated liquid handling to enable accurate screening of 10s to 1000s of chemicals. This individual applies deep technical expertise in cellular and molecular toxicology, high-throughput in vitro screening, 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 Laboratory Cellular Profiling Research Scientist , you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:
Lead the design, execution, and dissemination of complex high-throughput in vitro toxicology screening studies aligned with CIRI's mission.
Optimize and apply cell-based, high-throughput in vitro assays that are designed to broadly profile biological processes and endpoints using high-throughput transcriptomics (i.e., next-generation sequencing technology) and high content imaging assays (e.g., cell painting) in a variety of cell models.
Screen chemicals in these broad profiling, high-throughput in vitro assays to identify concentrations at which chemicals may disrupt important biological processes and endpoints.
Collaborate with data scientists to analyze high-dimensional datasets, integrate transcriptomic and cellular feature read-outs, and make them publicly available.
Characterize the performance of the in vitro assays and ensure high-throughput screening results meet applicable quality standards.
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.
Lead and participate in writing research proposals and securing funding from internal and external sources.
Mentor and guide junior researchers, post-docs, and interns in laboratory 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 toxicology and in vitro toxicity screening.
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 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:
Expert-level knowledge in cellular and molecular toxicology, and high-throughput in vitro screening using high-throughput transcriptomic profiling techniques (e.g., TempO-Seq, RNA-Seq, or similar) and/or high-content imaging assays (e.g., cell painting).
Proven experience integrating scientific research with applied real-world solutions, particularly in toxicity testing for environmental or pharmaceutical chemical assessment.
In vitro assay development and performance characterization using cell line and/or primary cell formats with semi-automated or automated liquid handling.
Demonstrated excellence in technical communication across written, verbal, and visual formats.
Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously.
Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and build consensus among diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:
A PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of post-graduate experience in molecular toxicology and in vitro screening.
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications, technical presentations to diverse audiences, and service on expert panels.
Knowledge and experience with in vitro assay development, performance characterization, and application to high-throughput screening.
Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary research teams.
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:
$144,304.94-$198,419.29Pay Type:
SalaryUL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are equal opportunity employers. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.