Physiology Research Scientist

Key Skills

Design, Effective communication skills, HIPAA, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, R Programming

Job Description

Eight Sleep is the first sleep fitness company. At Eight Sleep we design products at the forefront of sleep innovation. Our mission is to make people’s sleep count for more, using innovative technology, detailed design, and proven science and data to personalize and improve each night for everybody—changing the way people sleep forever and for better.

We've just launched our temperature-regulated smart bed, the Pod. It's an absolute game changer, improving people's health and happiness by changing the way they sleep. Early feedback is great, but we still have a long way to go toward achieving our mission. Backed by leading Silicon Valley investors including Valor Equity Partners, Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures and Y Combinator, we’ve raised over $150 million (Series C) to date. We were recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Consumer Electronics in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

That is why Eight Sleep is looking for an experienced human physiology researcher, who has organized and executed numerous human research studies that have led to high quality data and peer-reviewed publications. The Research Scientist will be responsible for literature review, experimental design, writing and submission of IRB applications, daily oversight and operations of ongoing studies, data analysis of novel R&D features and validation data, and co-writing of peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and blog posts. 

The research studies at Eight Sleep will include internal product validation, new prototype testing, new feature development, and large-scale, external validation studies. This role will report to the Director of Science & Clinical Research at Eight Sleep, on the Research & Development team.

This is a full time position with benefits. The latest start date is August 2024, and the position is located in Boston with approximately 40% remote work & 60% in-person work (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thurs/Fri).

How you'll contribute

Literature review & experimental design:

• Design experiments for new feature development and internal product validation

• Write the IRB and informed consent for studies when necessary

Data collection & trial management:

• Manage the day-to-day operation of research studies, including oversight of data quality and collection, mentoring research associates on team, and working cross-functionally with Hardware, Product, and ML teams to execute studies

• Collect data when necessary and to pilot new protocols, devices, etc

• When sleep studies are in progress, this role will be responsible for occasional off-hour data quality checks and any urgent subject issues

Data management:

• Maintain accurate study records and regulatory documentation in accordance with IRB and HIPAA guidelines

• Perform quality assurance of all collected data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; instruct research coordinators to resolve problems with subjects, address queries or clarify data collected

Statistical analyses and writing of publications:

• A portion of your job will be to analyze data from our R&D studies, ranging from small-scale studies (n=10) to large studies comprising hundreds of subjects

• You will co-write publications, including blog posts, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications

What you'll need to succeed

• Ph.D. in Exercise Science or Kinesiology, Human Physiology/Biology, Biomedical Engineering (or related field)

• 4+ years of human research experience running large studies and comfortable at managing multiple studies in parallel, each with different objectives

• 3+ years industry experience working on studies involving wearable devices, medical devices, or in industry related to tech that measures/monitors humans. Startup experience is a plus

• Strong statistical knowledge: can run your own statistics on large, complex datasets

• Superior communications skills, excellent time management & organizational skills, high attention to detail, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in study design and company needs

• Minimum of 2 peer-reviewed publications, with 1 as the first author

Preferred:

• Basic understanding of hardware, software, and firmware for data collection purposes

• Strong coding experience in Python or R, where you can write functions, run statistical tests, and create strong data visualizations

• Experience managing decentralized studies

• Experience managing research studies in a fast-paced environment, or experience in a startup

• Strong knowledge in sleep science & human physiology

Why you’ll love Eight

• We’re a tight-knit, passionate team that’s working to improve people’s lives by improving the way they sleep

• Leadership is committed to employees’ wellness and career development

• You’ll get a better night sleep every night; all full-time employees receive the Pod

• Flexible, generous PTO

• 100% employer contribution for medical/dental/vision insurance; maternity/paternity leave

At Eight Sleep we continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate. As an equal opportunity employer, we stay true to our values by ensuring everyone feels they can flourish and grow. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.