Lead Scientist - Sustainability

JOB DESCRIPTION
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
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
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 you'll experience working for ULS
UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894 and we're still leading the way. From day one, we've blazed a trail protecting the planet and everyone on it. Our teams have influenced billions of products, plus services, software offerings and more. We break things, burn things and blow things up. All in the name of safety science.
That's where you come in - because none of it could happen without you. It takes passion to protect people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data and conviction to make the world a more sustainable place. It takes bold ideas and brilliant minds to build a better world for future generations across the globe.
This is more than a job. It's a calling. A passion to use our expertise and play our part in creating a more secure, sustainable world today - and tomorrow. As a member of our safety science community, you'll use your ideas, your energy and your ambition to innovate, challenge and ultimately, help create a safer world.
Everyone here is unique. But we're also a global community, working together to help create a safer world. Join UL Solutions and you can connect with the brightest minds in the business, all bringing their distinct perspectives and diverse backgrounds together to deliver real change.
Empowering our customers to keep the world safe means thinking ahead. It means investing in training and empowering our people to learn and innovate. At UL Solutions, we help build a better future - one where everyone benefits.
Join UL Solutions to be at the center of safety. To learn more about us and the work we do, visit UL.com
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 USD 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. In the US 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).
  The application deadline for this role is May, 5th 2026.

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ABOUT US
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.