Chief Research Officer

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Chief Research Officer

Northbrook, IL

THE SEARCH

Underwriters Laboratories Inc., a trusted and globally recognized leader in safety science research and standards development, seeks an entrepreneurial and world-class science leader to serve as its Chief Research Officer (CRO). Building on its legacy and 126-year history of success, Underwriters Laboratories has embraced a new strategic plan committed to science, innovation, and discovery in areas of global societal importance. The organization is launching a major expansion of the research enterprise, including significant growth in its research staff, to enable new breakthroughs in energy storage, chemical safety, data science, and fire safety, among other areas. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and evolving organization, develop and implement an ambitious scientific agenda, work with Underwriters Laboratories’ partners in academia and in industry, and attract world-class talent to a growing research laboratory. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance public safety through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. Underwriters Laboratories conducts rigorous independent research and analyzes safety data, convenes experts worldwide to address safety risks, shares knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develops standards to guide safe, sustainable commercialization of evolving technologies. The 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. It is the parent organization of the for-profit business that oversees the testing, inspection, certification, auditing and validation of products around the world.

The organization is planning ambitious growth in the breadth, depth, and impact of the safety science mission and is striving to establish the world’s preeminent safety science research institution. To do so, Underwriters Laboratories will build upon its talented team of scientists and engineers and recruit and assemble a world-class faculty of resident and visiting scholars, safety advocates, standards experts, and business leaders who will amplify the organization’s mission, impact, and stature.

The CRO is the central position in realizing this vision and overseeing its development. Working closely with the Underwriters Laboratories President and CEO, the board, and senior scientists, the CRO will craft a cohesive vision for the scientific program, identifying strategic themes and research thrusts. The CRO will also be in charge of execution by establishing the scientific vision and recruiting area heads/leaders and faculty. The CRO will bring extensive technical and scientific leadership experience and contribute to the overall organizational direction as a leader of a central pillar in Underwriters Laboratories’ safety science mission. The CRO, in conjunction with the newly established Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), is also responsible for strategic plan development, monitoring and assessment, and resource management. The CRO will identify and suggest policy and action related to emerging technologies and trends and will represent Underwriters Laboratories in high-profile scientific and governmental forums.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional leader who brings a strong record of research accomplishment, successful experience managing science faculty and staff, proven entrepreneurial skills (building teams, institutes, programs) and intellectual breadth that spans multiple fields and disciplines. The CRO must be an innovator who has the ability to conceptualize, create, and implement programs that support cutting-edge research. Success in this role will require a depth of understanding of basic science and translational research, strong communication skills, and a passion for the mission of Underwriters Laboratories. The CRO will possess the flexibility to grow and adapt with this newly created position as Underwriters Laboratories continues to define this next chapter in its long history.

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: www.imsearch.com/7544. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Andy Lee or Karen McPhedran

Isaacson, Miller

1300 19th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a qualified diverse workforce. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.