Research Audiologist I

At Starkey, we are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. As a world leader in the manufacturing and delivering of advanced hearing solutions, we go to work each day to ensure every person on the planet has the opportunity to hear their very best. Founded in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems.  

Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees globally, operates 29+ facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Here’s a video about the people behind Starkey’s groundbreaking innovation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjhRQ7qzlI0 

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION 

This position supports the clinical research initiatives of the Clinical and Audiology Research team. 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, and 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.
  • Participate in project ideation, including conducting pilot and feasibility studies on prototype products and software.
  • Conduct pre-production validation and usability studies on 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.
  • 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.
  • Follow established procedures for storage and archiving of data and documentation.
• Promote research internally and externally.
  • Publish research in audiology-related peer-reviewed and trade journals.
  • Write white papers on products, features, and other research topics.
  • Present at industry conferences.
  • Collaborate with external researchers.
  • Promote research internally by presenting and assisting with training of internal staff.
• Maintain an 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.
• Technical problems are resolved, to the extent possible, in a timely and effective manner.
• Working with project teams. Positive and effective interactions and working relationship as perceived by project team members.
• Conference attendance, presentations, and external and internal publications.
  • Prepare and submit industry conference presentations and white paper, trade journal, and peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Thorough understanding of Starkey procedures and documentation.
  • Satisfactory compliance with established procedures and timely completion of project documentation.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education, Certification and Experience Requirements

• Education (i.e. 4-year college degree, license, certification)
  • D., AuD, 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
• Experience (i.e. years of work experience related to the job)
  • At least one year of professional experience required. Experience with hearing-instrument dispensing and behavioral laboratory research is strongly preferred.

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.