Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent•Phoenix, AZ

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Scientist for its User Sciences Practice in Phoenix, AZ. This role involves conducting user experience (UX) and usability research for clients, focusing on areas like consumer electronics, medical devices, wearable technology, and AI applications. The scientist will help clients understand user interactions, identify usability issues, inform design improvements, and ensure safe and intuitive product use. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers is key to delivering rigorous, actionable, and clearly communicated research-driven insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Projects will encompass study design, data collection, analysis, and final reporting.

Requirements

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 Phoenix area.
Willingness to travel (e.g., 10-20%) for research sessions, client meetings, or on-site evaluations.
Flexibility in scheduling (e.g., early mornings, evening, or weekends) depending on the consulting project.
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., qualitative research methods, 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.).
Occasionally traveling (e.g., 10-20%) for research sessions, client meetings, or on-site evaluations, and being flexible in scheduling (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to meet the needs of a consulting project.