Scientist (Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 25, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 25, 2026.
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 Scientist for our User Sciences Practice to be based in our Philadelphia, PA office. In this role, you will work as part of a team to conduct user experience (UX) and usability research across a range of projects spanning consumer electronics hardware and software, medical devices, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Your work will help clients understand how users interact with their products-uncovering usability challenges, informing design improvements, and providing insights into safe and intuitive use.
You will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers from complementary disciplines to deliver research-driven insights that are rigorous, actionable, and clearly communicated to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Projects will often span study design through data collection, analysis, and final reporting.
You will be responsible for
- Reviewing and synthesizing scientific literature, technical data, and industry standards to ground research and inform study design and expert analysis
- Designing and executing primary user research studies including usability testing, surveys, interviews, and observational research with careful attention to human perceptual, cognitive, and physical capabilities and limitations
- Performing quantitative and qualitative data analysis including, for example, statistical analysis of behavioral and performance metrics and thematic analysis of qualitative data
- Providing project management for multiple projects at a given time, including overseeing budgets and deadlines, coordinating project teams, and performing support tasks for team members
- Preparing written reports and communicating complex analyses and findings clearly and succinctly to technical and non-technical audiences
- Developing client contacts and building foundational business development skills through client interactions, supporting proposals, and gaining exposure to consulting strategies across a variety of areas (e.g., consumer products, medical devices, etc.)
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Developmental, Experimental, or Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Vision Science, Data Sciences, Biomechanics, or a related discipline
- Currently based in or are willing to relocate to the Philadelphia area
- Willingness to travel for research sessions, client meetings, or on-site evaluations
- Breadth of knowledge of scientific literature from relevant fields along with the ability to creatively adapt expertise to specific and novel problems
- Strong record demonstrating your ability to design and execute human subjects research studies using a variety of methods (e.g., usability testing, survey, experimental, quasi-experimental, case study)
- Experience leading multiple scientific studies from start (i.e., design) to finish (i.e., communicating your results)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills
- Assertive, self-starter, and able to work with accuracy and attention to detail under pressure and/or deadlines
- Proficiency in analytical, statistical, and computer programming (specifically Excel, MATLAB, Python, R, or SPSS)
- 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].
Life @ Exponent
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.
Work Environment
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
Compensation
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.
Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
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 [email protected].