Director, Research

We are looking for a Research Director to lead Polar Research Center

Research Director is leading Polar Research Center in a company which is focused on developing algorithms and applications for health, sports, and wellbeing utilizing wearable technology. Your role is pivotal in driving innovation and scientific advancement to help customers achieve their health and fitness objectives. With at least 7 years of experience, you will lead a dedicated team of researchers and specialists and collaborate closely with Product Development, Marketing and Business.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Strategic Research Leadership: Define and execute the research roadmap aligned with the company's vision and objectives. Drive innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and research opportunities in health, sports, and wellbeing domains. Secures and grows the leading role of Polar Research Center in the wearable technology space.  

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with engineering, data science and product teams to translate research findings into scalable and commercially viable solutions. Ensure alignment between research efforts and business initiatives.  

• Partnership Development: Cultivate strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry stakeholders to facilitate collaborative research projects and access to cutting-edge resources.  

• Research Methodologies: Has deep understanding of various research methodologies, including experimental design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, clinical trials and external validations. Stay abreast of advancements in relevant scientific disciplines and maintain high standards of research integrity.  

• Algorithm Development: Oversee the design, development, and validation of algorithms leveraging wearable technology data. This includes algorithms for activity, physiological monitoring, sleep, stress, nutrition, sport performance and recovery.  

• Grant Writing and Funding: Experience in securing research funding through grant proposals and managing budgets. 

• Budget Responsibility: Management of resources and costs in line with priorities set. 

Optional responsibilities: 

• Team Management: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. Provide guidance on research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis techniques. 

• Innovation and Intellectual Property Management: Lead the creation, protection, and management of patents and intellectual property resulting from research efforts. Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with patent laws and regulations. Identify opportunities for technology licensing and strategic partnerships to maximize the value of intellectual property assets.

Qualifications:  

• Advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.) in Exercise Science and Technology, Physiology, Nutrition, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health or a related field.  

• Proven track record of leading research initiatives in health, sports, or wellbeing domains, preferably in the context of wearable technology.  

• Expertise in algorithm development, AI, data processing, and statistical analysis.  

• Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams and driving cross-functional collaboration. 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.  

• Demonstrated thought leadership through publications, patents, or presentations at scientific forums.  

What we offer:  

• Impactful work that directly contributes to improving the lives of individuals worldwide.  

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and sports/ health innovation.  

• Access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for continued learning and development.  

• Collaborative and dynamic work environment were science and business work closely together. 

• Competitive employee benefits.

Preferred location is Polar Headquarters at Kempele, other Polar locations in Finland are negotiable (Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Tampere).

For further information please contact Mr. Ismo Savikoski, ismo.savikoski(at)polar.com.

 If you think you have what it takes and are ready to seize this opportunity, let us know and send your application with salary request and CV no later than August 9th, 2024 via https://tinyurl.com/4wvhsv8j.