Application Guide
How to Apply for Managing Scientist - Food
at Exponent
🏢 About Exponent
Exponent is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm that applies rigorous science to solve complex challenges in food safety, health, and sustainability. Working here means collaborating with top-tier experts across disciplines to deliver impactful solutions for global clients, from risk assessments to regulatory approvals. The company's commitment to evidence-based consulting and its remote-first culture in the EU make it an attractive place for professionals seeking intellectual challenge and flexibility.
About This Role
As a Managing Scientist in Food at Exponent, you will lead food safety and allergenicity assessments, develop regulatory submissions for novel foods and food contact materials, and provide strategic risk management advice to clients. This role is critical in helping companies navigate complex EU/UK food regulations, ensuring consumer safety while accelerating product innovation. You will manage high-stakes projects, build client relationships, and directly influence public health outcomes.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a client call to discuss a regulatory strategy for a novel food ingredient, followed by reviewing scientific data for an allergenicity risk assessment. You could spend the afternoon drafting a section of an EFSA submission, then mentor a junior scientist on interpreting EU food additive regulations. The role balances deep scientific analysis with client advisory and project management, often collaborating with colleagues across Europe remotely.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Exponent Is Looking For
- A seasoned food safety expert with 10+ years of hands-on experience in food/feed safety management, regulatory affairs, or risk assessment within the EU/UK framework.
- Holds an advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or nutrition, with deep knowledge of allergenicity assessment methodologies.
- Proven track record of authoring successful regulatory submissions (e.g., EFSA, FSA) for novel foods, food additives, or food contact materials, including allergenicity dossiers.
- Strategic thinker with strong client-facing skills, able to translate complex scientific data into actionable risk communication and regulatory strategies for multinational clients.
📝 Tips for Applying to Exponent
Tailor your CV to highlight specific EU/UK regulatory experience: mention EFSA guidelines, Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, and allergenicity assessment frameworks (e.g., EFSA's guidance on allergenicity of GM plants).
Include a portfolio or summary of key regulatory submissions you led, describing the product, agency, outcome, and your role (e.g., 'Led EFSA submission for a novel protein ingredient, achieving approval within 18 months').
Demonstrate project management skills by listing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with quantifiable results (e.g., budget, timeline, client satisfaction).
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your scientific background to Exponent's mission of 'safer, healthier, sustainable solutions' – e.g., how your work reduced allergen risks or improved food safety.
Research Exponent's recent publications or case studies on food safety (available on their website) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Highlight your extensive experience in EU/UK food regulatory frameworks, especially allergenicity and novel food approvals, with specific examples of successful submissions.', 'Emphasize your ability to provide strategic risk management advice to clients, not just technical analysis – e.g., how you helped a client navigate a food safety crisis or accelerate market access.', 'Show your collaborative and leadership skills in managing cross-functional projects, as Exponent values teamwork across engineering, science, and business.', "Express passion for consumer protection and sustainable food systems, aligning with Exponent's company values."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Exponent's Food & Agriculture practice page and recent case studies (e.g., on food safety, regulatory approvals) to understand their client base and typical projects.
- → Read Exponent's blog or publications on food allergenicity, novel foods, or risk communication – they often showcase thought leadership.
- → Familiarize yourself with Exponent's remote work culture and EU team structure – check LinkedIn for employee profiles and see how they collaborate.
- → Look into Exponent's competitors (e.g., Intertek, SGS, or consulting firms like EAS) to understand what differentiates Exponent's scientific approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application: avoid listing all food safety experience without emphasizing EU/UK regulatory submissions and allergenicity expertise.
- Don't overlook the consulting aspect: this role requires client management and business development, so failing to mention soft skills like communication and strategic thinking is a mistake.
- Don't ignore the remote work context: failing to demonstrate self-discipline, remote collaboration tools proficiency, or experience working across time zones can hurt your candidacy.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!