Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation

Deckers Brands•Portland, OR

2d•$108,700 - $146,700•Hybrid

About The Position

As Lead Innovation Researcher – HOKA Innovation, you’ll drive science-driven research and insight generation to inform and advance future footwear innovation. You’ll identify athlete and consumer needs, define critical knowledge gaps, design research methodologies, conduct applied studies, and translate findings into actionable guidance for concept development. You’ll serve as a key scientific partner across Innovation, Design, Development, Product Creation, and with external research collaborators, connecting research to product and shaping concepts from early exploration through validation.

Requirements

Master’s or PhD degree in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or similar field of study
6-8 years of experience in footwear, sports equipment, or human performance research
Experience leading research programs within the footwear industry or a closely related field
Expertise in research design and applied sport science, including experimental design, statistical methods, and current sport science literature
Strong understanding of athlete behavior, human movement, and performance mechanisms in footwear and apparel
Advanced proficiency with lab and field technologies, including 3D motion capture, force plates, pressure insoles, metabolic carts, and IMUs
Highly proficient in data processing, analysis, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, and Visual3D
Demonstrated ability to guide concepts from early exploration through prototyping and validation, translating research into product-relevant insights
Ability to communicate research findings, innovation opportunities, and concept recommendations through clear, compelling storytelling
Highly motivated team player and self-starter with a curious, growth mindset and focus on continuous learning

Responsibilities

Partner with Innovation leadership to shape and advance HOKA’s innovation strategy at the intersection of science, athlete insight, and product performance
Provide scientific expertise and guidance to inform innovation design, concept development, and product decision-making
Identify knowledge gaps that guide research priorities and innovation opportunities
Apply an entrepreneurial mindset to identify opportunities where scientific insights can unlock product differentiation
Design research protocols, develop tools, and execute scientific studies to generate actionable insights
Apply performance testing methods to evaluate how footwear concepts influence movement, efficiency, and performance
Serve as the primary liaison managing external research collaborations in support of HOKA’s innovation strategy
Translate research findings into actionable product direction supporting concept creation and development
Partner with product design, development, engineering, testing, and creation teams to embed scientific insights in innovation concepts
Contribute to the creation, evaluation, and refinement of disruptive concepts and products from early exploration through commercialization
Build and cultivate a network of leading research partners across academia, sport federations, and industry
Identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in human performance, footwear science, sport technology, and innovation partnerships