Research Lead

Kalogon; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

401k with matching

20 days off per year

5 all-team holidays, 3 floating holidays

Job summary

A venture-backed startup in Melbourne, Florida is seeking a Research Lead. In this role, you'll oversee research projects to drive product innovations and validations while collaborating with diverse teams. A Master's degree in a relevant field and hands-on experience with user research methodologies are essential. You'll enjoy significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a direct impact on product development and company strategy, all while working within a dynamic startup culture.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in rehabilitation science, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• Experience managing clinical research projects with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated success working in resource-constrained environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect and oversee the research ecosystem ensuring methodological rigor.
• Collaborate across departments to translate insights into product advancements.
• Lead survey and evaluation of products used in operations.

Skills

Hands-on experience with user research methodologies

Ability to navigate IRB processes

Strong communication skills

Creative problem-solving

Networking skills

Education

Master's degree or higher in relevant field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

As Kalogon's Research Lead, you'll architect and oversee our research ecosystem, ensuring methodological rigor as you manage a range from user testing to clinical validation. You’ll collaborate with everyone in the organization from Product and R&D to Sales & Marketing.

This role blends strategic vision with hands‑on execution, requiring equal expertise in clinical protocol design and cross‑functional collaboration to translate insights into tangible product advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Help to drive the business by ideating, testing, and validating unique claims that can be published or shared publicly
• Influence product direction through user research, beta testing, and claims research
• Support partner work with research to underscore product efficacy or to gather key stakeholder feedback
• Lead survey & evaluation of our Air Force cushion used in test and operational flights including the formal SBIR reporting requirements
• Socialize research findings and ensure team members can self‑support by creating tools to access your research
• Balance long‑horizon clinical validation with short‑term product development needs
• Identify and establish relationships with potential research partners including clinics, universities, and rehabilitation centers
• Coordinate multi‑site studies with external partners, managing communication and ensuring protocol adherence
• Create lean research methodologies that deliver actionable insights without unnecessary overhead
• Conduct hands‑on user research from recruitment through implementation and analysis
• Run beta testing programs independently, from participant selection to feedback integration
• Develop and execute IRB protocols with minimal guidance and maximum efficiency
• Manage project timelines and resource needs within startup constraints
• Translate technical findings into actionable insights for both clinical and non‑clinical markets

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in rehabilitation science, biomedical engineering, clinical research, life sciences, or related field
• Hands‑on experience with user research methodologies and quick‑turn usability testing
• Experience managing clinical research projects with minimal supervision
• Proven ability to navigate IRB processes efficiently
• Track record of successfully identifying and establishing research partnerships
• Experience coordinating studies across multiple sites or with external collaborators
• Demonstrated success working in resource‑constrained environments
• Self‑starter mentality with exceptional time management skillsAbility to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders from clinicians to investors
• Experience with data analysis tools and research documentation
• Understanding of regulatory requirements for medical devices at a startup scale

Must‑Have Traits

• Creative problem‑solver who can determine the right research approach for the desired outcomes
• Adept at creating strong internal relationships
• Comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities
• Networking skills to identify and engage potential research partners
• Ability to independently prioritize research needs without extensive guidance
• Resourcefulness in finding research solutions without dedicated staff
• Passion for both scientific validity and practical application
• Comfort switching between deeply technical and highly accessible communication
• Enthusiasm for the startup journey including its challenges and rewards

Nice‑to‑Have Experience

• Previous work in early‑stage startups
• Established connections in clinical rehabilitation settings
• Experience developing research protocols with limited resources
• Background in both clinical and commercial product testing
• History of successful grant writing to fund research initiatives
• Connections within rehabilitation clinical communities
• Has established Scientific Advisory Boards (long term goal!)
• Know something about seating, sitting, or butts

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape our research approach from the ground up
• Significant autonomy and ownership over the research function
• Direct impact on product development and company strategy

Kalogon offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Other benefits include:

• Equity
• 401k with matching
• 20 days off per year
• 5 all‑team holidays, 3 floating holidays

Company Info

Kalogon is a venture‑backed small business based in Melbourne, Florida, composed of top engineering talent from SpaceX, NASA, and Siemens. Our mission is to eliminate the stresses of sitting and improve health through inventive seating technology.

Kalogon's flagship medical product is a customized smart cushion, Orbiter Med, that relieves pain and fatigue experienced by individuals who use wheelchairs. We have three other products in the medical space: Bondar (back support), Booster (smart cushion accessory), and our original Orbiter (smart cushion).

Beyond healthcare, we’re expanding into defense and aviation with three U.S. Air Force Direct to Phase II SBIR contracts to design custom seating for B‑52 and E‑4B aircrew, and a commercial aviation proof of concept.

Kalogon is a fast‑paced company that leverages lean startup methodology to rapidly improve our technology in close partnership with our customers and partners. At the core of our approach is empathy‑driven design, ensuring that we deeply understand the challenges our users face and create solutions that directly address their needs, enhancing both comfort and quality of life.

Learn more at www.kalogon.com/careers