About Nike

Nike is the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and services, empowering athletes worldwide to achieve their potential. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike's commitment to innovation drives breakthroughs in sports science and product design. The Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) stands at the forefront, blending multidisciplinary expertise to deliver measurable athlete improvements through cutting-edge research.

Role Overview

As Principal Researcher, Basketball Innovation at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, you will spearhead the research vision for footwear in court sports, with a primary focus on basketball. This senior role within the NSRL Footwear Research team involves leading biomechanics studies to uncover footwear attributes that enhance performance and prevent injuries. Partner with innovation teams, product creators, and external academic partners to translate scientific insights into revolutionary basketball products. This position demands an entrepreneurial scientist who challenges conventions and pioneers new methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Develop and direct a comprehensive portfolio of research projects for basketball footwear, overseeing internal cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Conduct advanced research to identify novel insights on how footwear impacts athlete performance and injury risk during high-intensity court sports.
• Apply research findings across NSRL and Footwear Product teams to prototype innovative basketball shoes with proven benefits.
• Maintain scientific integrity throughout product concept, development, and commercialization stages.
• Lead innovative problem-solving for performance enhancement and injury prevention challenges.
• Deliver clear, concise communications of complex scientific data to diverse audiences, including senior executives and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster a culture of scientific excellence and creativity.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Nike's Principal Researcher, Basketball Innovation, candidates must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in:

• Sport biomechanics, performance analysis, and injury prevention research.
• The full scientific method: hypothesis formulation, experimental design, statistical analysis, and result interpretation.
• Influencing footwear innovation through applied science, particularly in basketball.
• Mastery of biomechanical tools, with troubleshooting expertise and ability to innovate new methods.

Required background includes:

• Master’s degree in human movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology, engineering, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership of scientific research teams.
• Track record in novel biomechanics research on lateral movements, jumping, gait, or basketball-specific activities.
• Desirable: Deep expertise in basketball footwear properties, product development application, cross-functional collaboration, and work with elite athletes.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers an unmatched compensation package for top talent:

• Competitive salary estimated at $180,000 - $260,000 annually, reflecting principal-level expertise in tech/retail innovation sectors.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with wellness programs.
• Generous 401(k) matching, employee stock purchase plans, and performance bonuses.
• Flexible work options, including hybrid schedules in state-of-the-art Beaverton facilities.
• Exclusive athlete product access, fitness center memberships, and onsite amenities.
• Paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and volunteer time off.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is fueled by innovation and impact. As Principal Researcher, you will mentor teams, influence global product lines, and collaborate with elite athletes. Opportunities abound for advancement into VP-level roles in Nike Innovation, with robust training in leadership, advanced analytics, and emerging tech like AI-driven biomechanics. Nike's culture supports lifelong learning through conferences, patents, and publications.

Why Join Us

Join Nike to lead basketball innovation where science meets sport. Be part of a legacy shaping how billions of athletes perform, from NBA stars to weekend warriors. In Beaverton, immerse in a vibrant campus fostering creativity, diversity, and excellence. Nike values inclusive teams that push boundaries, offering unparalleled resources to make athletes measurably better. This role positions you at the intersection of sports science and product revolution.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Dynamic and collaborative, partnering with NSRL scientists, product teams, and external experts in a high-impact lab setting.

Is relocation support available?

Nike provides comprehensive relocation assistance for qualifying roles to Beaverton, Oregon.

What tools will I use?

Advanced biomechanics equipment, motion capture systems, force plates, and custom Nike-developed analytics platforms.

Can PhD holders apply?

Absolutely; advanced degrees strengthen candidacy alongside proven leadership.

How does this role impact Nike products?

Directly influences future basketball footwear lines, from prototypes to commercialization, enhancing global athlete performance.