Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation

The Lead Innovation Researcher – HOKA Innovation drives science-driven research and insight generation to inform and advance future footwear innovation. Reporting to the Principal Innovation Researcher within HOKA Innovation, the role acts as a key scientific partner across Innovation, Design, Development and Product Creation, as well as with external research collaborators. The postholder identifies athlete and consumer needs, defines critical knowledge gaps, designs research methodologies, conducts applied studies and translates findings into actionable guidance for concept development, shaping concepts from early exploration through validation.

• 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 commercialisation.
• 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.

• Master's or PhD degree in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine or a similar field of study.
• 6–8 years of experience in footwear, sports equipment or human performance research.
• Experience leading research programmes 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 behaviour, 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 visualisation 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 a focus on continuous learning.

• Hybrid working pattern, typically three days per week in the office, Tuesday to Thursday.

• $ – $ (Portland, Oregon band; individual pay determined by location and factors including job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training).

• Competitive pay and bonuses, with a variety of competitive compensation programmes designed to foster career development and…