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Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Nov 2025
💰 $162,000/yr($116,000/yr$162,000/yr)

About the role

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

 

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

 

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!   

 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

Our Opportunity

Exponent's Polymer Science & Materials Chemistry  Practice is currently hiring a Scientist/Associate to join our consulting staff in our Natick, MA office. Candidates should have an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent), with some related industrial experience considered a plus. The successful candidate will possess extensive practical knowledge of the physical, chemical and mechanical behavior of macromolecules and will be highly skilled in a range of analytical and experimental techniques including Rheology, Mechanical Testing, Microscopy, Fractography,  FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DMA. Experience in polymer and composite processing (e.g. extrusion, resin transfer molding, injection molding), process troubleshooting, and polymer failure analysis is a plus. This position requires some travel and will involve collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A long-term goal for a successful candidate will be to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.

You will be responsible for

  • Inspections, scientific analysis and testing to address the specification and reliability of polymeric materials in a variety of applications ranging from consumer products to medical devices 
  • A significant portion of activities will include root cause analysis of a wide variety of failures related to issues arising in development, manufacturing or use of products manufactured for the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical industries
  • Assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law and industry

You will have the following skills and qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field 
  • A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated characterization techniques 
  • Experience with sampling techniques and statistical data analysis for FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, Fractography, Chromatography and Microscopy (optical and electron based techniques) 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Superior problem-solving abilities 
  • Strong educational and publication credentials 
  • Strong teamwork and leadership skills

 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

 

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

 

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and di

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Company

Exponent

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