Principal Regulatory Scientist; Ph.D

Principal Regulatory Scientist (Ph.D.)

Location:

US-CA-Menlo Park

Practice:
Chemical Regulation and Food Safety

Position Type:
Full-time

Posted Salary Range: USD $ - USD $ /Yr.

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

We are currently seeking an accomplished leader for a Principal Scientist position in our Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Practice based in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will leverage deep expertise in food science, regulatory affairs, nutrition, and food safety to address complex scientific, regulatory, and business challenges across a broad range of food, beverage, nutritional, and animal feed products.

You will provide strategic guidance to clients on regulatory compliance, product approvals, market access, food defense, science policy, stakeholder engagement, and emerging regulatory issues while helping clients navigate an evolving global regulatory landscape.

As a Principal at Exponent, you will lead client engagements, serve as a trusted advisor to industry leaders, identify and develop new business opportunities, expand relationships with existing clients, and contribute to the continued growth of the Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Practice. You will also play a key role in mentoring technical staff, fostering a collaborative and scientifically rigorous culture, and advancing Exponent's reputation as a leader in food and chemical regulatory consulting.

• Providing strategic scientific and regulatory expertise related to food ingredients, animal feed, nutritional products, beverages, novel foods, and associated manufacturing processes, including biotechnology-derived products and emerging technologies.
• Advising clients on regulatory compliance, product stewardship, market authorization, and product approval pathways, including GRAS, Food Additive Petitions (FAP), AAFCO, and other domestic and international regulatory frameworks, while supporting engagement with regulatory agencies, trade associations, and other key stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing regulatory strategies that support product innovation, commercialization, and long-term business objectives.
• Identifying, pursuing, and securing new client engagements by understanding emerging industry needs and building lasting client relationships.
• Expanding and strengthening relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering exceptional technical and strategic guidance.
• Leading multidisciplinary project teams and providing oversight for complex scientific and regulatory consulting engagements.
• Managing project execution, staffing, budgets, and client communications to ensure successful outcomes and a high standard of quality.
• Providing technical leadership, peer review, and scientific direction across a broad portfolio of food safety and regulatory projects.
• Mentoring, developing, and supporting junior and mid-level consultants, fostering professional growth and future leadership within the practice.
• Contributing to Exponent's thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, industry participation, leadership roles in professional and trade organizations, and engagement with regulatory bodies.
• Monitoring emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments and translating evolving requirements into practical business solutions for clients.
• Collaborating across…