Human Systems Research Scientist; M.S or Ph.D

Position: Human Systems Research Scientist (M.S. + 4 years of experience or Ph.D.)
Location: New York

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 Human Systems Research Scientist for our User Sciences Practice in New York, NY. This role is for an accomplished human-subjects researcher who can lead complex data-collection programs, work hands-on with technical systems, and guide interdisciplinary teams in fast-moving, ambiguous project environments.

You will be responsible for

Lead local and global human-subjects data-collection programs, including study design, protocols, participant workflows, quality control, and delivery

Coordinate interdisciplinary teams across Data Sciences, Human Factors, Biomechanics, Health Sciences, and engineering

Troubleshoot prototype hardware, sensor arrays, mobile devices, operating systems, and research software in real-world study environments

Build lightweight tools for tracking, automation, visualization, data processing, and quality control

Document data flows from collection through delivery, including transformations, validation checks, exceptions, and quality gates

Develop and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships

You will have the following skills and qualifications

M.S. with at least 4 years of post-degree experience or a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Kinesiology, or a relevant engineering/scientific field. Please note that recent M.S. graduates do not meet this requirement.

Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required

Record of leading complex human-subjects research, user studies, or large experimental data-collection efforts

Experience in one or more areas such as HCI, human factors, biomechanics, ergonomics, behavioral or systems neuroscience, cognitive science, sensing systems, wearable devices, motion capture, or mobile-device research

Ability to turn ambiguous scientific or operational questions into rigorous approaches and communicate insights clearly to technical, executive, and client audiences

Preferred:
First-author research publication experience and/or presentation experience in academic, technical, industry, or client-facing forums

Technical and data skills

Hands-on comfort with instrumentation, data acquisition, synchronization, hardware/software troubleshooting, and operating-system quirks

Practical scripting or programming skills, such as Python, JavaScript, MATLAB, R, or similar tools for automation, data checks, and workflow support

Experience constructing data pipelines or processing workflows that…