[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All Nike jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/) · [Search jobs](/search/) Nike · Beaverton, Oregon # Lead Researcher, Footwear Research, Innovation Beaverton, Oregon Full-time Manager or lead Research & Science Listed on Nike’s official careers site. Posted October 16, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Nike’s careers site →](https://nike.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/nke/job/Beaverton-Oregon/Lead-Researcher--Footwear-Research--Innovation_R-95747) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Nike](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/) / Lead Researcher, Footwear Research, Innovation ## Job description WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH The Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) Footwear Research team is a multidisciplinary group of scientists, engineers, and innovators dedicated to advancing athlete performance through world-class research. Reporting to the Footwear Senior Director, you will partner with researchers and product innovators, collaborate across Innovation and Product Creation, and provide leadership and mentorship to Senior Researchers. ### WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The ideal candidate is an experienced biomechanical researcher who combines scientific rigor with inventive problem-solving. They bring deep expertise in human movement science, experimental design, and advanced data analytics, along with a passion for translating research into meaningful product innovation. This individual thrives in a collaborative environment, balancing independent research leadership with cross-functional partnership to influence performance footwear from concept through validation. They are equally comfortable operating sophisticated laboratory technologies, building analytical tools, and transforming complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations. The successful candidate demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and technical leadership while effectively managing multiple research programs. They are skilled at influencing diverse audiences, mentoring teammates, and driving evidence-based innovation that helps athletes perform at their best. 5+ years of experience conducting biomechanics, human performance, engineering, or related research, preferably within a product innovation environment Master’s degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training Advanced expertise with motion capture systems, force platforms, pressure-measurement technologies, and wearable sensing solutions Strong programming and analytical capabilities, including biomechanical data processing, modeling, visualization, and workflow development; Python and Databricks experience preferred Experience translating scientific research into consumer products and knowledge of footwear development processes preferred WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON You will lead cutting-edge research programs that shape the future of performance footwear. Working at the intersection of biomechanics, sport science, and innovation, you will generate athlete insights, advance research methodologies, and influence products that serve athletes around the world. - Partner with Principal Researchers to define and execute research strategies addressing athlete performance, and injury-related questions - Mentor and guide Senior Researchers in study design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation to elevate scientific excellence across the team Collaborate closely with Product Innovators, designers, engineers, and cross-functional partners throughout the Product Creation process to ensure research findings inform product decisions - Design, conduct, and analyze laboratory and field-based biomechanical studies using advanced research technologies and testing methodologies - Develop and implement new research methods, analytical workflows, and data-collection processes that improve efficiency and expand scientific capability - Serve as a subject matter expert for biomechanical testing equipment, software platforms, data-analysis tools, and research best practices across the Nike Sport Research Lab - Translate complex scientific findings into clear, compelling recommendations that influence footwear concepts, prototypes, and final products Represent Nike research externally through participation in scientific conferences, industry events, and professional networks while staying at the forefront of emerging research and technology trends in sport performance and biomechanics We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Oct 16, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Oct 18, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 18, 2026 - Listed for: 2 days - Location: Beaverton, Oregon - Employment type: Full-time[Apply on Nike’s careers site →](https://nike.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/nke/job/Beaverton-Oregon/Lead-Researcher--Footwear-Research--Innovation_R-95747) ## More jobs at Nike ### [Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/jobs/0771f216a428152b6b11/) Beaverton, Oregon ### [Analyst, Finance Operations Technology Enablement](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/jobs/6117d7919443681a33da/) Beaverton, Oregon ### [Designer Color Design](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/jobs/254065aef4267d2f5327/) Beaverton, Oregon ### [Designer II, Basketball Branded & Signature Footwear & Apparel Graphic Design](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/jobs/c3a8eac7067ca3d11d62/) Beaverton, Oregon ### [Designer II, Core Studio Footwear Materials Design Expression](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nike/jobs/b6953f4dfe0a12c26f7e/) Beaverton, Oregon ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Principal Researcher and Senior Principal Researcher - Software Verification - Microsoft Research](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/microsoft/jobs/111b5db3a6b7e15bbf9f/) Microsoft · United States, Washington, Redmond ### [Senior Researcher - Security - Microsoft Research](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/microsoft/jobs/5fd9b262a5706c99cab4/) Microsoft · United States, Washington, Redmond ### [Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/deckers-outdoor/jobs/16828d540b5a00459396/) Deckers Outdoor · Portland, Oregon ### [Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/colgate-palmolive/jobs/005e64c57c634f3ef862/) Colgate-Palmolive · Piscataway, NJ, USA ### [Director, Analytical Stability & Innovation, L'Oréal Research & Innovation](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/loreal/jobs/101abb7248a9b6a37a44/) L'Oréal · Clark, New Jersey, USA OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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