Scientist​/Associate; Ph.D

Our Opportunity

Exponent's Polymers and Chemistry practice is currently hiring a Scientist/Associate to join our consulting staff in our Bowie, MD office. In this role you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team contributing to a diverse set of projects from industries such as consumer products, construction, medical device, energy, pharmaceutical, infrastructure, and transportation. 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, HPLC, GC, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DMA. 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.

• Inspections, scientific analysis and testing to address the specification and reliability of polymeric materials in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries.
• Root cause analysis of a wide variety of failures related to issues arising in development, manufacturing, or end‑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.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• A 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 microscopy (optical and electron‑based techniques)
• Experience with the design, validation, and execution of novel or non‑standard testing
• Excellent written and verbal communication 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
• Strong educational and publication credentials
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required

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.

USD $ - USD $ /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

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 H

US-MD-Bowie