Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)
About The Position
Exponent is seeking a Polymer Scientist for its Polymers & Chemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. This role involves working within an interdisciplinary team on diverse projects across industries such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, construction, infrastructure, and automotive. The position requires some travel and collaboration with other Exponent offices and practices. A key long-term objective for a successful candidate will be business development, including acquiring new projects and clients. Responsibilities include inspecting, testing, and analyzing various polymeric materials to evaluate their specifications and reliability in different applications. The role also involves performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by examining their development, manufacturing, or end-use environment. Analyzing information and communicating technical conclusions to diverse audiences (engineering, business, law, industry) and explaining testing rationale in the context of product development, defect claims, and intellectual property disputes are also key aspects of the position.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
- Well-developed understanding of polymer and materials characterization
- Knowledge of polymer bulk physical properties, structure-property relations, mechanics, polymer fracture analysis, and/or polymer processing
- Strong background and hands-on experience in polymer/chemical characterization techniques, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, and GPC
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Must be able to convey complex technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
- Ability to work within project teams with strong desire to contribute; have potential for technical and project managerial leadership
- Superior problem-solving abilities
- Strong educational and publication credentials
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required
Nice To Haves
- Experience characterizing non-conductive materials using electron microscopy (SEM) is a plus
- Experience testing and characterizing elastomer materials preferred
Responsibilities
- Inspecting, testing and analyzing various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries
- Performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing or end-use environment of products specified for use in the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and consumer products
- Analyzing information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicating testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes
Benefits
- Base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
