Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) matching 7%

Job summary

Exponent’s Polymers and Chemistry practice in Bowie, MD is hiring a Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.) to join our consulting staff. You will apply expertise in macromolecules and analytical techniques to projects across consumer products, construction, medical devices, energy, and pharma.

The role requires collaboration with cross‑practice scientists, occasional travel, and a drive to develop new business by securing projects and clients. A Ph.D. and legal US work status are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and characterization techniques.
• Experience with sampling techniques and statistical data analysis for FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, fractography, and microscopy.
• Experience designing, validating, and executing novel or non-standard testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within project teams and potential for leadership.
• Strong educational and publication credentials.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, analyze, and test polymeric materials to address specification and reliability across diverse applications.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis of failures in development, manufacturing, or end use across industries.
• Gather information and communicate technical conclusions to engineering, business, law, and industry.

Skills

Macromolecule knowledge

Analytical techniques

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Project leadership potential

Publication credentials

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC

FTIR

DSC

TGA

DMA

Microscopy

Job description

Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.) – Polymers and Chemistry – Bowie, MD

Location: US-MD-Bowie
Position Type: Full‑time
Salary Range: USD $140,000.00 – USD $162,000.00 per year

Job Overview

Exponent’s Polymers and Chemistry practice is hiring a Scientist/Associate to join our consulting staff in the Bowie, MD office. This role involves working as part of an interdisciplinary team on projects across consumer products, construction, medical device, energy, pharmaceutical, infrastructure, and transportation. The successful candidate will bring advanced knowledge of the physical, chemical, and mechanical behavior of macromolecules and expertise in analytical and experimental techniques such as rheology, mechanical testing, microscopy, fractography, HPLC, GC, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DMA. The position requires some travel and collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A long‑term goal is to develop business by securing new projects and clients.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, analyze, and test polymeric materials to address specification and reliability across diverse applications.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis of failures in development, manufacturing, or end use for construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Gather information and communicate technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated chemical characterization techniques.
• Experience with sampling techniques and statistical data analysis for FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, fractography, and optical/electron microscopy.
• Experience designing, validating, and executing novel or non‑standard testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex technical information to engineering, business, legal, and related audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within project teams and a strong desire to contribute; potential for technical and project managerial leadership.
• Strong educational and publication credentials.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship required.

Additional Information

Our consultants are engaged in person in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including base salary, periodic bonuses, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

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].