Principal Scientist (M.D. or D.O.)

Principal Scientist

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.

We are seeking a medical doctor and experienced consultant for the position of Principal Scientist in our Health Sciences Practice. This position is open across all U.S. office locations. In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on projects involving medical evaluations, causation analysis, risk assessment, and risk communication. These projects span a broad spectrum of products, medical devices, therapies and various health endpoints and medical conditions. Projects may also include the evaluation of mechanism of action; dose response; health hazard indices; review of medical, scientific and epidemiologic literature; comparative risk research; analyses using data science tools; and/or assistance with regulatory documents and analyses. Review and interpretation of medical records, physician notes, dosing and recommended use, and other factors will also be undertaken in these projects, as will review of relevant epidemiologic and medical sources for causation analyses. You will lead complex projects, cultivate relationships with existing clients, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our Health Sciences Practice.

You will be responsible for:

• Leveraging deep knowledge in medicine to address a wide range of complex human health challenges across diverse client sectors, therapies, clinical health endpoints, and patients, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions.
• Identifying, pursuing, and securing new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long-term partnerships.
• Maintaining and growing trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor.
• Building, managing, and empowering multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity.
• Providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts.
• Ensuring successful project execution through effective planning, resource allocation, and budget management, while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness.
• Offer high-level scientific and strategic advice to both internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to the firm's thought leadership and client impact.
• Enhancing the firm's visibility and credibility by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at industry conferences, leading seminars, and participating in expert advisory or technical committees.

You will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (O.D.), or equivalent degree from an accredited medical school.
• Ph.D. or M.S. degree in Epidemiology or a related scientific discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of consulting experience in the pharmaceutical or public health areas.
• Past or current clinical experience preferred.
• Proven track record of business generation and attracting new and repeat clients or funding.
• Expertise in epidemiologic study design and real-world evidence generation (e.g., non-interventional, database studies, registries).
• Knowledge in regulatory science, pharmacovigilance, clinical development, or HEOR.
• Critical appraisal and scientific interpretation of observational studies.
• Experience managing or contributing to multidisciplinary project teams and mentoring staff.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations in your scientific field.
• Outstanding reputation among clients and the scientific community for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise.
• Strong commitment to professional development.

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].