Research Scientist

About Our Work We are neuroscientists who build ground-breaking technology for the spatial computing era. We stimulate nerves to create artificial tactile sensations, creating new, more meaningful connections to the user for notifications, 3D digital content, physical AI, health information, and beyond. Our first products will be mobile, wearable devices that stream haptic data from multiple digital sources to create meaningful touch sensations. What You'll Be Doing The Research Scientist leads advanced research in wearable neural interface technology and neurosensory experiences. This role requires expertise in neural engineering, sensory neuroscience, or related fields to design experiments that drive product innovation. The scientist applies knowledge from biomedical and human-technology sciences, oversees research staff, and collaborates across teams to align research with company goals. Experience with translational science and human trials is highly valued. This position is vital to maintaining the company’s leadership through rigorous and innovative research. Key Responsibilities Lead and design complex experimental programs to test hypotheses that advance our understanding of neural interfacing and neuromodulation technologies. Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams across research, product development, and engineering to align research objectives with company goals. Manage and oversee research associate staff in their day-to-day experimental work, ensuring high-quality scientific outcomes. Translate deep subject matter expertise in neural engineering, sensory neuroscience, phenomenology, cognition, and human-technology interaction into innovative, testable research initiatives. Analyze and interpret complex data to inform product development and organizational strategy. Communicate research findings clearly and effectively to senior leadership and other stakeholders. Stay informed on emerging technologies, scientific literature, and competitive advancements that may impact the company’s mission or product roadmap. Other duties as assigned. What You'll Need for This Position Education PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Neural Engineering, Sensory Neuroscience, Phenomenology, Human Behavior, Human-Product Interaction, or a related field. Must-Have Skills & Experience Experience in translational research, particularly involving neural technology and/or human trials, is strongly preferred. 3+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience preferred but recent graduates with relevant expertise are welcome. Deep understanding of neural engineering, sensory neurophysiology, neuromodulation, and human-technology experience principles. Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyze complex experiments independently. Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing research staff or teams. Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with emerging technologies in neural interfaces and sensory neuroscience is highly desirable. Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing rigorous, high-quality scientific research with meticulous attention to detail. Strong ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions within complex and high-stakes research environments. Deep understanding of the direct impact that research findings have on product development and overall organizational strategy. Proven accountability and reliability in managing critical responsibilities that influence company success and longevity. Advanced problem-solving skills to identify, mitigate, and prevent errors that could jeopardize scientific outcomes or business viability. Ability to work independently while maintaining clear communication and alignment with cross-functional teams and leadership. What's in It for You Work closely with cutting-edge technology . You'll be hands-on with novel neural haptic technology that's defining the future of spatial computing and immersive experiences. You will be part of a growing team of some of the best neural engineering, sensory physiology, and human experience scientists in the world. The team will be defining the future of the human-technology relationship. Work in a close-knit, startup environment . We strive to create an intellectually stimulating and collegial working environment. Our energy for inventing, creating, and learning spans work and play: we have regular happy hours, plan field trips, play games, play music, and generally have a good time. An early employee experience . We are an early-stage deep tech startup company that requires all members to contribute across the entire business. On any given day, there will be new challenges and new demands to propel the business forward. We expect all employees to be able to dive into any new challenges that present themselves, even if they are beyond the job description above. If you are driven by the desire to see success and to create new tech not seen by the world previously, you will fit right into the team's culture. Compensation & Benefits Afference is committed to providing the sense of touch for the evolution of the human connection to technology and the future of the digital experience. We are leading this effort through deep science and technology, which provides unique experiences compared to classical haptic technologies. Our lean team of experts demands a high level of excellence but can compensate with the commensurate upside potential of an early-growth startup in a high-growth sector of extended reality. Compensation offers depend on skills, qualifications, and experience, and range between: $134,400 to $201,600 per year at 100% FTE Benefits include: Medical, dental vision, life, STD, FSA, additional company perks Equity incentives Self-managed PTO Location: On-site; Cleveland, OH office