Sr Research and Development Audiologist

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what’s possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

Join our cutting-edge R&D Advanced Development team and lead the way in shaping the future of hearing technology! In this role, you’ll design and execute early-stage clinical studies, develop innovative audiological assessment methods, and collaborate with engineers and scientists to drive breakthroughs in next-generation hearing aids. If you're passionate about bridging research and technology to improve lives, this is your opportunity to make a real impact!

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The primary objective of this role is to lead and support the development of innovative hearing technologies and solutions for Starkey's products and services. As part of the R&D Advanced Development team, you will design and conduct early clinical studies, develop and validate new audiological assessment methods, and collaborate with engineers and scientists to drive advancements in next generation hearing aids.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Clinical Study Design and Execution:

• Formulate research questions and define, implement, and execute test protocols for audiological evaluations of early-stage hearing-aid technologies (e.g., pre-clinical studies using prototypes).
• Write clear and comprehensive test protocols, interact with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), recruit study participants, and set up test software.
• Conduct human-participant testing, including otoscopy, hearing-aid fitting, real-ear measures, and auditory perception tests.
• Analyze and interpret data using statistical tools and software, ensuring findings are well-documented and communicated through internal reports, slides, and external white papers.
• Lead the end-to-end management of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and reporting requirements for governing bodies in collaboration with the Clinical Research team.

Development and Validation of Audiological Assessment Methods:

• Design and validate cutting-edge data collection methods to assess emerging hearing-aid technologies.
• Apply modern psychometric techniques, such as automated adaptive procedures and item response theory, to develop innovative assessment tools.

Collaboration with Engineers and Scientists:

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, and audiologists, to translate concepts and questions from various fields (e.g., hearing science, acoustics, audio signal processing, machine learning, and sensing) into meaningful audiological research initiatives.
• Bridge the gap between Advanced Development and Clinical Audiology by contributing to collaborative research efforts and cross-departmental projects.

Research and Development Leadership:

• Participate in research and development efforts to create innovative hearing technologies and solutions grounded in scientific, engineering, and clinical principles.
• Collaborate with algorithm engineers to research and refine digital signal processing algorithms for hearing aids.
• Propose and execute research project plans aligned with company objectives and review existing literature, competitive products, and patents to guide research direction.
• Prototype and evaluate candidate solutions through simulation, lab, and field testing.

General Contributions and Innovation:

• Participate in professional conferences and seminars to stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to competitive analysis, benchmarking efforts, and patent-related activities, including disclosures and ideation.
• Encourage innovation by identifying new trends, emerging technologies, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Ensure technological monitoring to maintain the company’s leadership in hearing science and technology.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Certification

• D, Au. D, or master’s degree in Audiology or Hearing Science
• Current Audiology or Hearing Aid Dispensing license in Minnesota

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in research or clinical settings.
• Proven experience conducting experiments with hearing-impaired subjects.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the design and execution of clinical trials.
• Proficiency in advanced statistical techniques and tools
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with expertise in statistical software.
• Programming skills (preferably in Python, Matlab, or R) are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with hearing aid technology and clinical audiology practices is preferred.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal guidance.
• Proactive in overcoming obstacles and delivering results efficiently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in team settings.
• Innovative thinker with a passion for advancing hearing health research and technology.
• Genuine commitment to improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Solid understanding of the hearing aid industry, including market dynamics and key players.

This job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education and other factors

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $88,550 – $124,950 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401 (k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, 8 days/hours of paid sick and safe time, and 6 paid holidays annually.  

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Salary : $88,550 - $124,950