Senior Food Safety Scientist (Ph.D. or M.S.)

Exponent Inc. • Washington, DC

1d • $174,000 - $213,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Senior Food Safety Scientist for a Senior Managing Scientist position in its Chemical Regulation and Food Safety Practice. The role is based in Washington, DC, with other locations also considered. The successful candidate will help clients ensure food safety across food production, processing, distribution, and retail/food service. The work includes pre- and post-market analysis of chemical, biological, and physical hazards; food safety preventive controls for supply chains, ingredients, processing procedures, and production environments; regulatory compliance and industry best practices; root-cause analysis of product specification excursions, contamination, or failures; and outbreak investigations involving epidemiology, traceability and traceback, and laboratory analysis. Clients include industry, trade associations, regulatory and litigation attorneys, and insurance companies.

The Senior Food Safety Scientist will provide technical expertise on food manufacturing and food safety risk assessment and risk management, identify new clients through business development and marketing, produce technical reports and presentations, prepare proposals, manage projects and client expectations, and mentor junior staff. The position requires substantial food safety expertise, consulting and client-management capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and projects independently.

Exponent describes its office environment as in-person and collaborative, with consultants working in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. Consultants have flexibility to balance work and personal schedules while meeting client and business needs. The role is in-person unless travel requires otherwise.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree with a concentration in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Agriculture, Engineering, or related sciences.
• Ten or more years of relevant experience in industry, trade associations, academia, government, or consulting.
• Extensive knowledge of raw agricultural commodities, ingredients, food processing technologies, supply chain management, distribution, and retail/food service and related practices.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety hazards and preventive control programs, process and equipment validation, and facility food safety assessments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food regulatory compliance, recall decision-making and management, crisis management, outbreak investigation, traceability, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Proven ability or potential to build an existing personal consulting practice comprised of a substantial client base.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments under rigid time constraints.
• Ability to manage client projects independently.
• Proficiency in managing and participating effectively in team projects.
• Must be presently legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not provided.

Nice To Haves

• Entrepreneurial spirit.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to clients related to food manufacturing and food safety risk assessment and risk management associated with regulatory compliance and industry best practices.
• Identify new clients through business development and marketing efforts.
• Produce technical reports and presentations.
• Prepare proposals and manage budgets, timelines, deliverables, client expectations, and receivables.
• Mentor junior staff.

Benefits

• At the Manager level and above, total compensation includes an annual bonus and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• The firm offers a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• The firm offers competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior