What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Human Factors Research position at Tandem Diabetes Care?
GROW WITH US:
Tandem Diabetes Care creates new possibilities for people living with diabetes, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers through a positively different experience. We’d love for you to team up with us to “innovate every day,” put “people first,” and take the “no-shortcuts” approach that has propelled us to become a leader in the diabetes technology industry.
STAY AWESOME:
Tandem Diabetes Care is proud to manufacture and sell the Tandem Mobi system and t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control -IQ technology — an advanced predictive algorithm that automates insulin delivery.
But we’re so much more than that. Our company’s human-centered approach to design, development, and support delivers innovative products and services for people who use insulin. Because many of our own team members live with diabetes, or have a loved one impacted by diabetes, the work is personal, and we are committed to the cause. Learn more at https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/
WHEN & WHERE YOU’LL WORK:
Hybrid: This role will be a mix of in-office work at our corporate headquarters in Del Mar, CA and remote work. This position is expected to be in office 2 days per week but may vary depending on business demands.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
The position of Director, Human Factors Research uses their advanced expertise to lead the overall conceptualization and design of human factors research across Tandem’s products ensuring FDA requirements are met prior to commercialization. This role is the primary person in charge of leading, managing and directing a team of human factors researchers, both internal and external. This position has responsibility for the overall leadership and management, design, budgeting, scheduling, and delivery of Human Factors research projects with dual oversight and hands-on project work responsibilities. This role ensures the team’s contributions improve product safety, effectiveness, and usability.
A Director of Human Factors Research at Tandem also:
- Leads the strategic direction of the Human Factors team, overseeing end-to-end research on product and system development.
- Defines/approves the strategy and approach for multi-site studies with outside vendors.
- Provides oversight for the identification, vetting, coordination and managing of agencies who play a critical role in carrying out research on Tandem’s behalf.
- Ensures the overall quality of user research protocols and data analysis.
- Translates findings into actionable user insights, design recommendations, and comprehensive deliverables ensuring compliance with FDA, PMA, and 510(k) submission requirements.
- Identifies and measures the extent to which HF recommendations are incorporated into product iterations.
- Uses Human Factors expertise to create custom studies based on business needs.
- Acts as a departmental liaison for Human Factors in cross-functional meetings and serves as the primary HF representative at executive meetings.
- Supports product lifecycle management by integrating insights from early-phase user needs and concept research into HF research plans through development and commercialization across Tandem’s product portfolio.
- Stays abreast of current technologies with the ability to incorporate them into the strategic direction of Tandem products.
- Mentors and develops Human Factors team members, fostering a culture of independent thinking and continuous growth.
- Develops, tracks, and manages the Human Factors department’s budgets and expenses, ensuring operations remain within established financial parameters.
- Oversees project assignments, monitors resource bandwidth, and aligns tasks with team members’ skill sets. Tracks project status and timelines across all assigned initiatives to meet critical deadlines.
- Acts as a HF research champion and the voice of the patient across the organization.
- Ensures compliance with company policies, including Privacy/HIPAA, and other legal and regulatory requirements.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- 10 years of experience conducting human factors research.
- 5 years leading a team of human factors researchers preferred.
- 5 years of medical device industry experience required.
- Advanced degree in Human Factors Psychology, Experimental/Cognitive Psychology or Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience.
- A proven track record of managing multiple successful Human Factors development initiatives simultaneously, taking a project from conceptualization through to commercialization.
- Experience working with diabetes disease management preferred.
- Experience in a high volume, fast-paced medical device, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.
- Demonstrates exceptional time and project management skills by successfully overseeing multiple concurrent human factors research projects, ensuring on-time delivery and alignment with FDA requirements.
- Skilled in crafting and overseeing project schedules and budget estimates, ensuring alignment with organizational goals through regular monthly and quarterly budget reviews.
- Expert knowledge of FDA expectations and recognized standards for Human Factors research (IEC 62366:2015, ANSI/AAMI HE75: 2007, and “Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices, February, 2016”).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
- Possesses expert knowledge of qualitative research methods and a strong working knowledge of quantitative research methods.
- Expertise moderating usability studies with a variety of participants and facilitating a usability testing session as needed.
- Working knowledge with a variety of research tools, including Morae, surveys, online testing tools, etc.
- Exhibits strong emotional intelligence in strategic decision-making, balancing end user needs with business goals. Active listener who incorporates feedback, driving productive outcomes.
- Skilled at fostering team cooperation to lead cross-functional teams in delivering Human Factors studies and projects with a strong commitment to team success. Proactively identifies and addresses challenges, reallocating resources or stepping in directly to ensure project completion.
- Leverages critical thinking, team brainstorming, and creative problem-solving to overcome challenges, exercising sound judgment in navigating ambiguous situations.
- Values diverse perspectives in critical decision-making, ensuring well-rounded and informed outcomes.
- Ability to communicate with and persuade others, at all levels of the organization, through effectively consolidating, evaluating, and presenting relevant data driven information.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:
At Tandem, we believe joy fuels excellence. That's why we've built a workplace that celebrates your achievements and supports your well-being. Our team thrives on pushing boundaries and fostering growth, all while maintaining a spirit of fun and camaraderie. This is just one of the ways we stay awesome! Explore the benefits and reasons to love Tandem at https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/careers.
BE YOU, WITH US!
We embrace the value that every single one of us brings to the table. But sometimes we forget that when we don’t meet 100% of a job description’s criteria – maybe you’re feeling that way right now? We encourage you to apply anyway. Because we want you to be you, with us.
Tandem is firmly committed to being an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base pay range for this position is $180,300.00 - $234,600.00 annually. Base pay will vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience and may also fluctuate depending on candidate’s location and the overall job market. In addition to base pay, Tandem offers a competitive compensation package that includes bonus, equity, and a robust benefits package.
Tandem offers health care benefits such as medical, dental, vision available your first day, as well as health savings accounts and flexible saving accounts. You’ll also receive 11 paid holidays per year, unlimited PTO and you will have access to a 401k plan with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase plan. Learn more about Tandem’s benefits here!
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and regulations. A conditional offer of employment from Tandem is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment screening process comprised of a drug test (excluding marijuana) and background check, which includes a review of criminal history information.
Tandem has good cause to conduct a review of criminal history information of candidates for this position, as this role may involve access to proprietary, sensitive and/or confidential information, including customer protected health information. This review is required to ensure that individuals in such roles uphold high standards of trust and integrity so as to protect the interests of our customers, employees, and stakeholders.
REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone who would be a great fit for this position, please share!
SPONSORSHIP:
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected for the requisition or the requisition has a sufficient number of applications.
Make a move that matters. Join Tandem Diabetes Care, where we're turning challenges into triumphs every day and where your talents will help shape a healthier, happier tomorrow.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-BC1
Salary : $180,300 - $234,600