Research Audiologist I

Starkey, a global leader in advanced hearing technologies, is seeking a research-driven audiology professional to help shape the next generation of hearing aid innovation through rigorous clinical and perceptual science studies. In this role, you'll design and execute short- and long-term validation, usability, and post-market research-working hands-on with hearing-impaired participants, audiologic instrumentation, and prototype hardware/software-while collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Product Management, Marketing, and Training. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of hearing aid technology and fitting systems, experience (or clear passion) for human-subject research conducted to ethical and clinical best practices, and the ability to translate findings into clear internal recommendations and external publications.

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 conduct 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

Job Description:

The primary responsibility of this position is conducting a variety of short- and long-term research and validation studies that will have an impact on future hearing aid technology and bring benefit to the hearing impaired. Projects include perceptual science experiments, prototype technology evaluations, novel audiological procedure development, validation and usability of products and features, and post-market studies of user benefit. This person will participate on multidisciplinary teams throughout Starkey, including Research and Development, Product Management, Marketing, and Education and Training. Responsible for developing test plans and protocols and following those protocols according to research best practice and ethical guidelines and disseminating the results of those studies internally and externally to Starkey. Must be knowledgeable in audiological and hearing aid technology and fitting systems and have the technical skills to operate general laboratory and audiologic equipment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct audiological and related research in support of product development
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  • Participate in project ideation, including conducting pilot and feasibility studies on prototype products and software
  • Conduct pre-production validation and usability studies on hearing aid products, features, and software
  • Establish clinically applicable fitting procedures and recommendations
  • Conduct post-production studies in support of marketing or other initiatives
  • Provide expertise and support to other departments within the company by participating on multidisciplinary teams
  
  
  
  
• Perform tasks related to human subject testing in the hearing research laboratories
  
  
  
  • Setup and test experimental hardware and software
  • Assist with recruiting and qualifying subjects
  • Run subjects through protocols following good clinical practice and ethical research principles
  
  
  
  
• Manage data and documentation related to clinical studies
  
  
  
  • Enter and analyze data for internal dissemination of results
  • Manage subject data according to established procedures
  • Manage project documentation, including writing test plans, protocols, and reports, complying with regulatory standards
  • Follow established procedures for storage and archiving of data and documentation
  • Promote research internally and externally to Starkey
    
    
    
    • Publish research in audiology-related peer-reviewed and trade journals
    • Write white papers on products, features, and other research topics
    • Attend and present at industry conferences
    • Collaborate with external researchers
    • Promote research internally by presenting and reviewing clinical study results
    • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hearing aid technology and advances in audiology
      
      
      
      • Read relevant journal articles and attend relevant industry conferences
      • Communicate with colleagues in Product Management and throughout Research and Development
      • Completes experiments, writing assignments, and other assigned tasks within established time frames
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Perform Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Education Requirements:

• Au.D, Ph.D, or Master's Degree in Audiology or Hearing Science; equivalent training and experience may qualify
• Current Audiology or Hearing Aid Dispensing license is strongly preferred or ability to obtain a license shortly after hire
• At least one year of professional experience required
• Experience conducting experiments with hearing-impaired subjects

Experience Requirements:

• At least one year of professional experience is preferred
• Experience conducting clinical studies with hearing-impaired participants, or a demonstrated passion to develop this skill

Our culture:

• An experienced team built around a culture of professional growth and knowledge-sharing
• We celebrate innovation - finding creative ways to serve our customers better than anyone else
• Global leader in the design, development, and distribution of comprehensive hearing technologies
• We serve with passion, purpose, and excellence

Knowledge / Technical Requirements:

• Experience conducting experiments with hearing-impaired subjects; (required for level II, desired for level I)
• Understanding of hearing aid technology and fitting systems
• Knowledge of the audiology research literature
• Knowledge of current hearing aid technology and fitting procedures
• Familiarity with audiometer and real ear probe microphone measurements
• Computer knowledge: Word and Excel required. Statistics highly desired

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to use audiological and other instrumentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• Excellent organizational skills

Working Conditions:

• Standard office conditions
• Travel required

Equipment Operation:

• Standard office equipment
• Laboratory and audiological equipment

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $65,000 - $91,000 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 following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement.

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