Human Factors Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer contribution of 7%

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a Human Factors Scientist in New York, NY, for a Summer 2026 start date. This position involves analyzing human performance related to consumer products and supporting UX consulting activities.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in a relevant field, has excellent communication skills, and experience with food-regulatory frameworks. Exponent offers a comprehensive compensation package, including a salary range of $105,000 to $120,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Sensory Science, Food Science, or a related psychology discipline.
• Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with U.S. food-regulatory frameworks including FDA and USDA compliance.
• Design and lead multiple scientific studies from start to finish.
• Willingness to travel for research sessions and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Analyze human performance related to consumer products.
• Support human factors and UX consulting activities.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams for project support.
• Communicate complex analyses to non-technical audiences.
• Provide project management for multiple projects.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience with U.S. food-regulatory frameworks

Strong record in designing behavioral studies

Proficiency in qualitative research methods

Attention to detail under pressure

Proficiency in Excel, SPSS, MATLAB, Python, or R

Education

Ph.D. in Sensory Science, Food Science, or related psychology discipline

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Database research methods

Job description

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Human Factors Scientist for our Human Factors Practice in New York, NY for a Summer 2026 start date. In this role, you will work as part of a team to analyze human performance related to a wide variety of scenarios involving consumer products, FDA/EPA-regulated products, and occupational work. These assignments will involve the analysis of past incidents and managing safety risk to help prevent such incidents in the future.

You will be responsible for

• Supporting a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including litigation support, usability testing, sensory study design, survey development, and evaluation of how users interact with consumer products. This may include assessing human perceptual, cognitive, olfactory, and motor capabilities and their implications for safety and use-related risk.
• Supporting safety-focused litigation and investigations by analyzing human factors contributors to incidents, evaluating the design and effectiveness of warnings and safety information, and assessing product instructions, labeling, and patterns of use and misuse
• Working on multidisciplinary teams to provide case management, data processing, structured analysis, and cross-functional project support across engineering, UX, regulatory, and scientific domains
• Communicating complex analyses clearly and succinctly to non-technical audiences, including clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders
• Providing project management for multiple projects at a given time, including managing budgets and deadlines; managing project teams; and performing support tasks for team members
• Participating in the design and evaluation of warnings and safety information
• Contributing to business development by building and maintaining client relationships

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Sensory Science, Food Science, or a related psychology discipline
• Currently based in or willing to relocate to the New York City area
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills
• Experience with U.S. food‑regulatory frameworks, including FDA and USDA compliance requirements and familiarity with CFR Title 21 as it relates to food and cosmetic products, labeling, safety, and sensory evaluation standards
• Strong record demonstrating your ability to design behavioral studies using a variety of human subjects and database research methods (e.g., survey, experimental, quasi-experimental, case study)
• Experience leading multiple scientific studies from start (i.e., design) to finish (i.e., communicating your results)
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods and analyses, including study design, participant interviewing or observation, coding, and thematic analysis
• Willingness to travel for research sessions, client meetings, conferences, or on-site evaluations
• Assertive, self‑starter, and able to work with accuracy and attention to detail under pressure and/or deadlines
• Proficiency in analytical, statistical, and computer programming (specifically Excel, SPSS, MATLAB, Python, or R)
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required

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

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

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

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-NY-New York

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $105,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.