Principal Scientist (M.D. or D.O.)

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.  

 

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower 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

We are seeking a Medical Doctor and experienced consultant for the position of Principal Scientist in our Health Sciences Practice.  This position is open across all U.S. office locations.  In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on projects involving medical evaluations, causation analysis, risk assessment, and risk communication.  These projects span a broad spectrum of products, medical devices, therapies and various health endpoints and medical conditions.  Projects may also include the evaluation of mechanism of action; dose response; health hazard indices; review of medical, scientific and epidemiologic literature; comparative risk research; analyses using data science tools; and/or assistance with regulatory documents and analyses. Review and interpretation of medical records, physician notes, dosing and recommended use, and other factors will also be undertaken in these projects, as will review of relevant epidemiologic and medical sources for causation analyses.  You will lead complex projects, cultivate relationships with existing clients, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our Health Sciences Practice.  

You will be responsible for

• Leveraging deep knowledge in medicine to address a wide range of complex human health challenges across diverse client sectors, therapies, clinical health endpoints, and patients, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions. 

• Identifying, pursuing, and securing new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long-term partnerships. 

• Maintaining and growing trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor. 

• Building, managing, and empowering multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity. 

• Providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts. 

• Ensuring successful project execution through effective planning, resource allocation, and budget management, while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness. 

• Offer high-level scientific and strategic advice to both internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to the firm’s thought leadership and client impact. 

• Enhance the firm’s visibility and credibility by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at industry conferences, leading seminars, and participating in expert advisory or technical committees.  

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (O.D.), or equivalent degree from an accredited medical school.   

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree in Epidemiology or a related scientific discipline is preferred. 

• Minimum of 8 years of consulting experience in the pharmaceutical or public health areas. 

• Past or current clinical experience preferred. 

• Proven track record of business generation and attracting new and repeat clients or funding.  

• Expertise in epidemiologic study design and real-world evidence genera