Principal Regulatory Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent•Menlo Park, CA

2d•$200,000 - $240,000•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an accomplished leader for a Principal Scientist position in their Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Practice based in Menlo Park, CA. This role involves leveraging deep expertise in food science, regulatory affairs, nutrition, and food safety to address complex scientific, regulatory, and business challenges across a broad range of food, beverage, nutritional, and animal feed products. The position will provide strategic guidance to clients on regulatory compliance, product approvals, market access, food defense, science policy, stakeholder engagement, and emerging regulatory issues, helping clients navigate an evolving global regulatory landscape. As a Principal, the individual will lead client engagements, serve as a trusted advisor to industry leaders, identify and develop new business opportunities, expand relationships with existing clients, and contribute to the growth of the Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Practice. Additionally, the role includes mentoring technical staff, fostering a collaborative and scientifically rigorous culture, and advancing Exponent's reputation as a leader in food and chemical regulatory consulting.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Regulatory Science, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 12 years of consulting, industry, regulatory, or leadership experience, including experience leading regulatory strategy, business growth, or multidisciplinary teams.
Extensive knowledge of U.S. food, feed, and ingredient regulatory frameworks, with demonstrated experience supporting global regulatory strategies and international market access.
Demonstrated expertise with food and feed regulatory programs, including GRAS determinations, Food Additive Petitions, AAFCO submissions, novel foods, biotechnology-derived products, and related regulatory processes.
Proven track record of developing new business, generating revenue, and building long-term client relationships.
Established reputation among clients, regulators, industry peers, and the scientific community for integrity, responsiveness, sound judgment, and technical excellence.
Experience serving as a strategic advisor to senior client stakeholders and executive leadership.
Strong business development, networking, and relationship management skills.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and successfully manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Strong people leadership and mentoring skills, with a commitment to developing technical talent and fostering collaboration.

Responsibilities

Providing strategic scientific and regulatory expertise related to food ingredients, animal feed, nutritional products, beverages, novel foods, and associated manufacturing processes, including biotechnology-derived products and emerging technologies.
Advising clients on regulatory compliance, product stewardship, market authorization, and product approval pathways, including GRAS, Food Additive Petitions (FAP), AAFCO, and other domestic and international regulatory frameworks, while supporting engagement with regulatory agencies, trade associations, and other key stakeholders.
Developing and implementing regulatory strategies that support product innovation, commercialization, and long-term business objectives.
Identifying, pursuing, and securing new client engagements by understanding emerging industry needs and building lasting client relationships.
Expanding and strengthening relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering exceptional technical and strategic guidance.
Leading multidisciplinary project teams and providing oversight for complex scientific and regulatory consulting engagements.
Managing project execution, staffing, budgets, and client communications to ensure successful outcomes and a high standard of quality.
Providing technical leadership, peer review, and scientific direction across a broad portfolio of food safety and regulatory projects.
Mentoring, developing, and supporting junior and mid-level consultants, fostering professional growth and future leadership within the practice.
Contributing to Exponent's thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, industry participation, leadership roles in professional and trade organizations, and engagement with regulatory bodies.
Monitoring emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments and translating evolving requirements into practical business solutions for clients.
Collaborating across Exponent practices to deliver integrated solutions to complex client challenges.