Join Our Team
Become a part of On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science, where you will lead a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of research scientists. Your role will involve driving cutting-edge advancements in athletic performance by integrating deep physiological, biomechanical, and human performance research into innovative product designs. This strategic leadership position is primarily focused on directing athlete-centric research programs and managing a high-performing team of scientists, thereby shaping the future of running and performance footwear.
Your Mission
As the Director of Sports Science, you will architect the strategic vision and infrastructure necessary to develop a world-leading science organization. You will bridge the gap between fundamental human performance research and commercial product breakthroughs, ensuring that rigorous, forward-thinking science is integral to On's ethos.
Strategic & Scale Leadership
- Vision & Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive long-term research agenda in biomechanics and physiology, establishing a clear future vision for a world-class performance science center aligned with On's innovation goals.
- Build & Scale: Scale a world-class Sports Science organization by implementing global industry-best practices and infrastructure while effectively managing budgets and laboratory resources.
- People & Culture: Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, high-performing team of researchers, fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial culture of scientific excellence and rapid commercial application.
Applied Research & Product Translation
- Insight Generation: Direct cutting-edge research programs within advanced performance labs, utilizing elite athletes and everyday movers to uncover new insights into human movement, injury prevention, and metabolic efficiency.
- Data Translation: Oversee large-scale data collection (biomechanical, physiological, and digital health) and convert complex findings into actionable design parameters and product requirements.
- Modern Methodology & Validation: Propel advanced scientific methodologies beyond outdated testing standards. Establish industry-leading protocols for subjective perception and objective validation, guaranteeing scientifically proven product benefits.
Ecosystem & Cross-Functional Impact
- Global Network: Cultivate and manage an elite network of global academic institutions, research partners, and progressive tech firms to position On at the forefront of movement science.
- Cross-Functional Cohesion: Collaborate effectively with product engineering, design, and marketing teams to ensure that scientific insights are authentically integrated into product development and compelling consumer storytelling.
- Executive Communication: Synthesize and articulate complex data and human-performance concepts with clarity and commercial relevance to non-technical audiences and executive leadership.
Your Story
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Physiology, or a closely related field.
- Proven track record of senior leadership (10+ years) leading interdisciplinary research groups, preferably within the sportswear or performance-gear industry.
- Demonstrated experience managing large teams (experience leading 20+ research scientists is highly preferred).
- Extensive experience directing physiological and biomechanical research, with a profound understanding of elite athlete performance and movement data.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven history of establishing or scaling modern human performance research frameworks, systems, or laboratories.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; capable of bridging the gap between technical data and creative design.
- A true passion for running, sports, and a continuous desire to reinvent athletic performance.
About the Team
The Innovation team is responsible for On’s future products, showcasing out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology that set On’s products apart in the market. Within this team, you will lead the Sports Science and Engineering group focused on research, advanced product evaluation, computer-aided engineering, and concept engineering related to our performance footwear. You will have the opportunity to be part of an agile and interdisciplinary department comprising engineers, scientists, and designers. We foster a fast-paced environment that encourages direct decision-making and the freedom to design projects and processes.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.