Scientist​/Associate; Ph.D

Position: Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)
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…