Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent Inc. seeks a PhD-level Polymer Scientist for our Polymers & Chemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team on diverse projects across pharma, medical devices, consumer products, construction, and automotive. You will inspect and test polymeric materials, perform root-cause investigations, and translate technical findings to engineers, business, legal, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Strong polymer/materials characterization expertise.
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, and analyze polymeric materials to assess specifications and reliability across industries.
• Perform root cause investigations on failing materials/components in development, manufacturing, and end-use environments.
• Analyze information and convey technical conclusions to engineering, business, legal, and industry audiences; explain testing rationale.

Skills

Polymer characterization

Communication skills

Project leadership potential

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Polymer Science / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

DMA

GPC

SEM

Job description

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 currently seeking a Polymer Scientist for our Polymers & Chemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team contributing to a diverse set of projects from industries such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, construction, infrastructure and automotive. This position requires some travel and will involve collaborating 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

• Inspecting, testing and analyzing various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries
• Performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing or end-use environment of products specified for use in the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and consumer products
• Analyzing information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicating testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Well-developed understanding of polymer and materials characterization
• Knowledge of polymer bulk physical properties, structure-property relations, mechanics, polymer fracture analysis, and/or polymer processing preferred
• Strong background and hands-on experience in polymer/chemical characterization techniques, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, and GPC. Experience characterizing non-conductive materials using electron microscopy (SEM) is a plus
• Experience testing and characterizing elastomer materials preferred
• Experience with the design, assembly, and execution of novel or non-standard testing
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Must be able to convey complex technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
• Ability to work within project teams with strong desire to contribute; have potential for technical and project managerial leadership
• Superior problem-solving abilities
• Strong educational and publication credentials

This is a Menlo Park, CA based position. The successful applicant must live in (or be willing to relocate to) the Menlo Park, CA area AND be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office

Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required

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 a