Human Factors Scientist, User Experience Research; Ph.D

Human Factors Scientist – Phoenix, AZ

We are seeking a Human Factors Scientist to join our Human Factors Practice in Phoenix, AZ, starting in 2026. The role focuses on analyzing human performance across consumer products, medical devices, and occupational activities.

• Manage a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including litigation support, usability testing, formative and summative study design, survey development, and evaluation of how users interact with consumer and AI-integrated products, medical devices, digital interfaces, and child-focused products.
• Assess human perceptual, cognitive, and motor capabilities and their implications for safety and use-related risk.
• Support safety-focused litigation and investigations by analyzing human factors contributors to incidents, evaluating design and effectiveness of warnings and safety information, and assessing product instructions, labeling, and patterns of use and misuse.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams to provide case management, data processing, structured analysis, and cross‑functional project support across engineering, UX, and scientific domains.
• Conduct research to obtain, analyze, and synthesize technical data, scientific literature, regulatory guidance, and industry standards relevant to usability, human behavior, and product safety.
• Provide project management for multiple concurrent engagements, including scoping tasks, managing budgets and timelines, coordinating project teams, and supporting colleagues across project phases.
• Participate in the design, analysis, and evaluation of warnings, instructions, and safety communications, including their usability, comprehensibility, placement, and effectiveness in reducing risk.
• Communicate complex human factors and UX analyses clearly to non‑technical audiences, including clients, attorneys, engineering teams, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development by building and maintaining client relationships.

• Ph.D. in Developmental, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, or Cognitive Psychology, or related psychology discipline, Human Factors, Neuroscience, or Vision Science.
• Currently based in, or willing to relocate to, the Phoenix, Arizona area; this role requires regular on‑site work.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for research sessions, client meetings, or on‑site evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting behavioral research using controlled and real‑world methods, including experiments, surveys, case studies, behavioral observation, and field‑based or in‑situ research.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods and analyses, including study design, participant interviewing or observation, coding, and thematic analysis.
• Experience leading multiple scientific studies from initial design through data collection, analysis, and clear communication of results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific findings for non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style; able to take initiative and work independently while contributing constructively to team efforts.
• Proven ability to maintain accuracy and effectiveness under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and programming, preferably with experience in SPSS, MATLAB, Python, or R.
• Experience conducting research in regulated, safety‑critical, or sensitive domains (e.g., medical devices, healthcare, consumer safety, child‑focused products) is welcome.
• Experience conducting human subjects research with diverse or specialized populations (e.g., children, caregivers, patients, healthcare providers) is a strong plus.
• Flexible scheduling may be required (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) depending on consulting projects.

Base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities and will be assessed during the interview process. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

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.

Contact information:
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Job Location s: US-AZ-Phoenix