Scientist (Ph. D.)

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 a Scientist with expertise in microbiology for our Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Practice in Natick, MA. In this role, you will work as part of a team in support of our growing portfolio of services to the life sciences industry. Candidates should have an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) with experience related to microbial contamination and/or biofilms in the context of reusable medical devices, clinical laboratory science, forensic science, biotech, medtech, pharmaceuticals, and/or biologics. Candidates should be well-versed in culture techniques and other associated characterization methods.

• Analyzing scientific information to address microbiological, biological, and material science matters related to microbiological contamination root cause analysis, forensics, and product development, but also including a wide range of topics from medical devices and pharmaceuticals to consumer products and electronics
• Performing testing and analysis of microbiological, biological, and polymeric materials, including antimicrobial coatings, microbial resistance, and bioanalytical investigations
• Analyzing root causes on a wide variety of failures at the interface of materials and biology related to issues arising in development, manufacturing or use of products
• Writing technical reports for industry and for litigation
• Gathering information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline
• A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of various microbiological and biological assays (such as nucleic acid amplification tests, immunoassays, bacterial culture, protein quantification, and enzyme assays) and how material interactions can impact those techniques
• Expert in biosafety-level 2 procedures and aseptic technique is required.
• Very detail-oriented with strong data analysis and data visualization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required
• Superior problem-solving abilities
• Strong educational and publication credentials
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills
• Practical testing and applications understanding in a manufacturing or industry R&D environment is a plus
• Experience with medical device reprocessing, cleaning and disinfection protocols, clinical laboratory operations and/or biofilm development is a plus
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

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.