Chemist; Ph.D

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Chemist for our Polymers & Chemistry Practice in Natick, MA. In this role you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team contributing to a diverse set of projects from industries such as oil & gas, transportation, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, building and construction, and infrastructure. 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.

• Inspecting, testing, and analyzing various products and chemical compositions to assess their characteristics and properties, including as part of fitness‑for‑use evaluations related to specific applications.
• Characterizing and evaluating formulated products in the context of industry specifications, regulatory limits, and the functional requirements of specific applications.
• Performing root‑cause investigations on failing or underperforming products/materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing or end‑use environment of products.
• Analyzing information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in science, engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicating testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes, including through the preparation of thorough and detailed written reports.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related field.
• Well‑developed understanding of chemical structure‑function and structure‑property relationships, physicochemical properties, and the potential interactions of chemicals and materials.
• Knowledge and experience related to the composition and function of petroleum products (e.g., lubricant and fuel products), as well as familiarity with standardized testing methods used to characterize petroleum products (e.g., ASTM, ISO, DIN methods).
• Strong background and hands‑on experience in chemical characterization techniques, such as FTIR, GC‑MS, LC‑MS, NMR, ICP‑MS, and ICP‑OES.
• Experience with the design, assembly, and execution of novel or non‑standard testing methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Must be able to convey complex technical information to individuals in science/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 US, no immigration sponsorship or visa 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 $ per year

US‑MA‑Natick

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