Senior Run Research Physiologist
The Senior Run Research Physiologist will manage original research projects related to athlete physiology to expand Brooks’ innovation footwear pipelines. The role focuses on investigating key performance indicators to maximize runner performance and recovery, reduce injury risk, and drive product design.
Responsibilities
- Manage exercise physiology research programs that lead to new insights and technologies to improve runner performance and reduce injury incidence. Lead project management of owned research projects across multiple business objectives, using project management tools to track project development, tasks, deadlines, and budgets.
- Independently lead research projects, including collecting, recording, and analyzing exercise physiology data in an unbiased, objective manner.
- Create new frameworks and vision that define research strategy encompassing broad themes of application.
- Thoughtfully connect with the run and the runner to identify opportunities that have yet to be explored.
- Support advancements in data collection and analysis (hardware and software) to evaluate human physiology data and drive initiatives that move data collection from the laboratory to the road.
- Generate original ideas and combine existing concepts in new ways, applying systems thinking to avoid solutions that fix one issue but create another.
- Lead original research projects related to running physiology independent of product and combine learnings with key business partners to drive future opportunities.
- Initiate and lead meetings with functional managers of product creation teams (Development, Product Line Management, Merchandising, Design, Engineering, and Color) during product development phases to align projects and discuss research findings and impacts on product iterations.
- Translate research findings and project status updates to senior-level executives, providing articulate, persuasive, and actionable conclusions and recommendations that drive business impact through data storytelling.
- Initiate and lead meetings with senior leaders (Senior Manager, Director) to identify growth opportunities for the research program.
- Share the science of research programs and explain how they fit into the footwear framework with scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
- Understand Brooks’ view of the entire brand and the competitive market.
- Teach, train, and present scientific principles related to exercise physiology and runner performance to technical and non‑technical groups, clearly communicating Brooks’ perspective inside and outside the organization.
- Identify market opportunities based on trends and consumer needs related to exercise physiology and human performance to give Brooks a competitive advantage.
- Display expert understanding of exercise physiology and its interaction with performance athletic products, partnering with senior product‑creation teams to create prototypes for new and innovative concepts.
- Manage up to one direct report, encouraging them to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, and translate research findings into tangible product suggestions.
- Network with industry leaders and participate in key industry functions to communicate Brooks’ viewpoints and shape current thinking in exercise physiology and sports science. Include opportunities to present at national and international conferences.
- Other responsibilities as required.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or an equivalent analytical field and 3+ years of relevant work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience such as Master’s and 5+ years or Bachelor’s and 7+ years).
- 3+ years of applied laboratory‑based research experience working with physiology in endurance sports, preferably running.
- 1+ year of experience managing direct reports (desired).
- Expert understanding of anatomy, physiology, applied physiology, experimental design, and statistical methods with an emphasis on running performance.
- Proven leadership capabilities to supervise a team and lead strategic business objectives.
- Proven track record of creating innovative research studies that enhance the understanding of exercise physiology related to running products.
- Experience teaching, training, and presenting scientific principles to technical and non‑technical groups.
- Expert experience with study design, including collecting, recording, and analyzing data in an unbiased, objective manner.
- Expert with human subject data collection (stationary metabolic carts, portable metabolic systems, spirometry systems, biomarkers, muscle oxygenation, phlebotomy, thermography, etc.).
- Active Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM‑EP) certification with 3+ years of applied laboratory‑based research experience working with elite athletes, preferably runners.
- Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams across diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to initiate collaboration with stakeholders with varying skills and perspectives.
- Curious, open‑minded, and inventive, always willing to challenge the status quo and pursue improvement of people, products, and processes.
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks on short timelines.
- Proactive approach: try things quickly instead of waiting for a perfect plan, learn from failure, and bounce back fast.
- Strong problem‑solving skills in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with advanced ability to convey a concise point of view within project teams and to external stakeholders.
- Expert MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access skills; experience working with PDM or other databases.
- Embrace and live the Brooks values.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Seattle HQ, is $124,234 – $186,404 annually, with base pay varying by knowledge, skills, and experience.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401(k) savings plan with match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
- Paid Time Off: Up to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick leave, and parental leave.
- Bonus: Annual bonus based on company performance.
- Perks: Product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, and volunteer and donation benefits.
- Location: 4 days per week in the Seattle office.
At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two‑spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, custody of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, service animal use by a person with a disability, or any other basis protected by law.