Director of Sports Science

On; Zürich; On-site; CHF 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

On is seeking a Director of Sports Science to lead a large, interdisciplinary team in Zurich. You will merge physiology, biomechanics, and human performance research to drive product innovations in running and performance footwear.

The role focuses on building a world-class science organization, guiding athlete-centric programs, and translating insights into architecture, design parameters, and consumer storytelling across On’s product lines.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Physiology or closely related field.
• Proven track record of senior leadership heading interdisciplinary research groups (10+ years).
• Experience directing physiological and biomechanical research with elite performance focus.

Responsibilities

• Architect the strategic vision and infrastructure for a world-leading science organization.
• Scale a high-performing Sports Science team and manage budgets and lab resources.
• Lead and mentor a large, diverse research team to drive scientific excellence and product translation.

Skills

Leadership

Biomechanics

Physiology

Data analysis

Communication

Team building

Education

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Join On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science, leading a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of research scientists. You will drive cutting-edge advancements in athletic performance by merging deep physiological, bio-mechanical, and human performance research into groundbreaking product innovations. This strategic leadership role focuses heavily on directing athlete-centric research programs and managing a large, high-performing team of scientists to shape the future of running and performance footwear.

Your mission

As the Director of Sports Science, you will architect the strategic vision and infrastructure required to build a world-leading science organization. You will bridge the gap between pure human performance research and commercialized product breakthrough, ensuring rigorous, forward-thinking science is baked into On's DNA.

Strategic & Scale Leadership

• Vision & Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive long-term research agenda in biomechanics and physiology, establishing a clear future vision for a world-class performance science center aligned with On's innovation goals.
• Build & Scale: Scale a world-class Sports Science organization, implementing global industry-best practices and infrastructure while effectively managing budgets and lab resources.
• People & Culture: Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, high-performing team of researchers. Foster an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture of scientific excellence and fast-paced commercial application. Applied Research & Product Translation
• Insight Generation: Direct cutting-edge research programs inside advanced performance labs, utilizing elite athletes and everyday movers to uncover new insights into human movement, injury prevention, and metabolic efficiency.
• Data Translation: Oversee large-scale data collection (biomechanical, physiological, and digital health) and translate complex findings into actionable design parameters and product requirements.
• Modern Methodology & Validation: Drive advanced scientific methodologies over outdated testing standards. Establish industry-leading protocols for subjective perception and objective validation to guarantee scientifically proven product benefits. Ecosystem & Cross-Functional Impact
• Global Network: Cultivate and manage an elite network of global academic institutions, research partners, and progressive tech firms to keep On at the vanguard of movement science.
• Cross-Functional Cohesion: Partner seamlessly with product engineering, design, and marketing to ensure scientific insights are authentically integrated into product development and powerful consumer storytelling.
• Executive Communication: Synthesize and communicate complex data and human-performance concepts with clarity and commercial relevance to non-technical audiences and executive leadership.

Your story

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Physiology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Proven track record of senior leadership (+10 years) heading interdisciplinary research groups, preferably within the sportswear or performance-gear industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams (experience leading 20+ research scientists is highly preferred).
• Extensive experience directing physiological and bio-mechanical research, with a profound understanding of elite athlete performance and movement data.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a history of scaling or establishing modern human performance research frameworks, systems, or labs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; someone who can bridge the gap between technical data and creative design.
• A true passion for running, sports, and a continuous desire to reinvent athletic performance.

Meet the team

The Innovation team is responsible for On’s future products, out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology that differentiates On’s products in the market. Within the Innovation team you will lead the Sports Science and Engineering team which is focused on research, advanced product evaluation, computer aided engineering and concept engineering around our performance footwear. You will have the opportunity to be part of an agile and interdisciplinary department of engineers, scientists and designers. We foster a fast-paced environment with direct decision making and the freedom to design projects and processes.

What We Offer

On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose. On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.