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Exponent · 20 hours ago

Human Factors Scientist, User Experience Research (Ph.D.)

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

Exponent is a premium engineering and scientific consulting firm that addresses unique challenges faced by clients. The Human Factors Scientist will analyze human performance related to consumer products and medical devices, focusing on usability evaluations and safety risk management.

Consulting

Responsibilities

Managing a broad range of human factors and UX consulting activities, including litigation support, usability testing, formative and summative study design, survey development, and evaluation of how users interact with consumer and AI-integrated products, medical devices, digital interfaces, and child-focused products

This includes assessing human perceptual, cognitive, and motor capabilities and their implications for safety and use-related risk

Supporting safety-focused litigation and investigations by analyzing human factors contributors to incidents, evaluating the design and effectiveness of warnings and safety information, and assessing product instructions, labeling, and patterns of use and misuse

Working on multidisciplinary teams to provide case management, data processing, structured analysis, and cross-functional project support across engineering, UX, and scientific domains

Conducting research to obtain, analyze, and synthesize technical data, scientific literature, regulatory guidance, and industry standards relevant to usability, human behavior, and product safety

Providing project management for multiple concurrent engagements, including scoping tasks, managing budgets and timelines, coordinating project teams, and supporting colleagues across project phases

Participating in the design, analysis, and evaluation of warnings, instructions, and safety communications, including their usability, comprehensibility, placement, and effectiveness in reducing risk

Communicating complex human factors and UX analyses clearly to non-technical audiences, including clients, attorneys, engineering teams, and stakeholders

Contributing to business development by building and maintaining client relationships

Qualification

Ph.D. in PsychologyBehavioral research designQualitative research methodsStatistical analysisUsability testingExceptional communication skillsInterpersonal skillsCollaborative working style

Required

Ph.D. in Developmental, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, or Cognitive Psychology, or a related psychology discipline, Human Factors, Neuroscience, or Vision Science

Currently based in, or willing to relocate to, the Phoenix, Arizona area as this role requires regular on-site work

Willingness to travel occasionally for research sessions, client meetings, or on-site evaluations

Demonstrated experience designing and conducting behavioral research using both controlled and real-world methods, including experiments, surveys, case studies, behavioral observation, and field-based or in-situ research

Proficiency in qualitative research methods and analyses, including study design, participant interviewing or observation, coding, and thematic analysis

Experience leading multiple scientific studies from initial design through data collection, analysis, and clear communication of results

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific findings for non-technical audiences

Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style; able to take initiative and work independently while contributing constructively to team efforts

Proven ability to maintain accuracy and effectiveness under pressure and tight deadlines

Proficiency in statistical analysis and programming, preferably with experience in SPSS, MATLAB, Python, or R

Preferred

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

This role may occasionally require flexible scheduling (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) depending on the consulting project