Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore Innovation

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike Inc. is seeking a Principal Researcher, Sensory Explore, to define and lead a comprehensive neuroscience and sensory research program within Nike Sport Research Lab. The role shapes strategy, builds stakeholder alignment, and acts as a catalyst for game-changing product innovation across NXT teams.

You will lead and mentor researchers, work hands-on with product teams, translate insights into actionable opportunities, and collaborate with global experts to advance sensory engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in neuroscience and sensory science with ability to conduct research and apply insights.
• Technologist: experience with state-of-the-art tools/techniques in neuroscience and sensory science.
• Experience defining strategy and implementing sensory science capabilities in products/services.
• Experience executing research agendas with observation, hypotheses, experimental design, statistics, data interpretation.
• Portfolio leadership in research to understand product/service levers through enhanced sensory engagement.
• Experience leading/mentoring researchers.
• Applied: track record of applying scientific knowledge to products or services, hands-on with prototyping.
• Creative scientist: catalyst for new product innovation; able to work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Create a vision and strategy for implementing Sensory Explore and neuroscience capabilities at Nike.
• Develop the opportunity landscape and focus areas for Nike’s sensory research program.
• Drive a robust portfolio of studies to inform sensor-based product experiences and performance across genders, sports and geographies.

Skills

Ten+ years neuroscience/sensory

Mentoring researchers

Applied scientist

Creative catalyst

Communication & storytelling

Hands-on product prototyping

Behavior science knowledge (bonus)

Education

Master's degree in Sensory Science/Neuroscience/Psychology or related

Job description

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

As our Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore , you will work as an applied expert and influence creative product teams across NXT and Nike. You will engage with teams at different points in the spectrum of concept development , from those looking to understand athlete sensory science opportunities, to teams that have ideas and solutions in mind.You will be "hands‑on" with product "solutioning" in collaboration with a variety of teams including but not limited to innovation, product development, and tech . You will report on and share storytelling of program progress and impactful insights with a variety of Nike leaders .You will mentor, guide and lead researchers on the team in a portfolio of work.You will also work with researcher experts in the field and around the world to help inform and execute your portfolio of work.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a Principal Researcher, Sensory Explore. This role leads the implementation of a Sensory Explore research program at Nike - defining strategy, aligning stakeholders, and being a creative catalyst for new innovation - through a portfolio of evidence-based research programs in the Nike Sport Research Lab. Whether for performance, experience, modifying behavior, or stimulating the senses, your research will aim at understanding the product and service levers that can provide measurable and palpable benefits for athletes across gender, sport and geographies.

The candidate needs to be an applied, creative expert in the areas of neuroscience, sensory science or related field and have the ability to lead a team of researchers and influence creative product teams across Nike.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Master's degree in Sensory Science, Neuroscience, Psychology or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• 10+ years expertise in neuroscience and sensory science, with the skills and ability to conduct research and apply scientific insights .
• Technologist: understands and has experience in applying and developing the state of the art in technical tools and techniques in the area of neuroscience and sensory science
• Experience in creation of a vision and strategy with respect to implementation of sensory science capabilities and knowledge to product or service.
• Experience in executing research agendas, with specific expertise in the scientific method, including but not limited to: observation, formulation of testable hypotheses, experimental design, statistical methods, data analysis and interpretation of results.
• Experience driving a portfolio of research aimed at understanding the product and service levers through an enhanced sensory engagement lens.
• Experience leading and mentoring researchers.
• Applied: Looking for someone who has a proven track record of applying scientific knowledge and insights to products or services. Willing to jump in and get "hands‑on" with product and prototyping.
• Creative scientist, with experience or aptitude for acting as a catalyst for new product innovation . Open and able to work effectively with creative and technical product teams across NXT and Nike.
• Skilled and experienced in communicating scientific research, and insights and story telling to both scientist and non‑scientists.
• Bonus: knowledge and experience in Behavior Science

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As the Principal Researcher, Sensory Explore, you will create a vision and strategy for implementation of a Sensory Explore and neuroscience research capability at Nike. You will also create the opportunity landscape, with recommendations for where Nike should focus.

You will be a driver of a robust portfolio of research aimed at stimulating and influencing the body's sensory system to provide enhanced experiences and performance with products and services, with a focus across gender, sport, geographies and abiliti