Head of Research - Computer Vision

Sword Health is on a mission to free two billion people from pain. 

With 67% of members achieving a pain-free life and a 70% reduction in surgery intent, at Sword, we are using AI Care to change lives, and save millions for our 25,000+ enterprise clients across three continents. Today, we hold the majority of industry patents, win 70% of competitive evaluations, and have raised more than $300 million from top venture firms like Founders Fund, Sapphire Ventures, General Catalyst, and Khosla Ventures.

Recognized as a Forbes Best Startup Employer in 2025, this award highlights our focus on being a destination for the best and brightest  talent. Not only have we experienced unprecedented growth since our market debut in 2020,  but we’ve also created a remarkable mission and value-driven environment that is loved by our growing team. With a recent valuation of $3 billion, we are in a phase of hyper growth and expansion, and we’re looking for individuals with passion, commitment, and energy to help us scale our global impact. 

Joining Sword means committing to a set of core values, chief amongst them to “do it for the patients” every day, and to always “deliver more than expected” on behalf of our members and clients.

This is an opportunity for you to make a significant difference on a massive scale as you work alongside 900+ (and growing!) talented colleagues, spanning three continents. Your charge? To help us build a pain-free world, powered by AI, enhanced by people — accessible to all.

Algorithms Team:

Our Algorithms team is a versatile Software Engineering team. They build production-ready software for complex problems that require technical and innovative solutions. The team combines:

- software engineering ability;

- technical expertise and versatility - and the ability to learn fast (in fields such as Computer Vision, Signal Processing, Kinematics, Control, Data Science, etc);

- product awareness.

The largest example of their work is the motion tracking and motion analysis engine that enables our AI Care Specialist to guide our members during their exercise sessions:

- providing multi modal real-time feedback;

- collecting valuable movement metrics.

Sword has always worked on uncharted territory, by creating new solutions or making use of new technologies in our products, contributing to the state of the art. Following Sword ethos on R&D, we are doubling down in our Research efforts and creating a dedicated branch within the larger Algorithms team. This group will focus specifically on driving innovation and reinforcing Sword's position as a technical leader in the field of Computer Vision—and more broadly, in Intelligent Systems. This targeted effort not only strengthens our commitment to cutting-edge research but also ensures that innovation remains at the heart of what we do.

The Head of CV Research is the first hire of this team, having the opportunity to lay the foundation for Computer Vision Research at a highly innovative company.

• Lead Computer Vision Research at Sword, scoping initiatives and projects and defining priorities and goals alongside leadership;
• Conduct hands-on research, especially in the early stages of this team;
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product and Technical stakeholders to ensure Research is aligned with company goals and priorities and that breakthroughs and findings can be adequately translated into concrete product impact;
• Publish high-quality scientific papers in top-tier journals and present findings at international conferences;
• Build and nurture relationships with academic institutions and other industry partners;
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, such as public research grants.

• A PhD in Computer Vision, Machine Learning or a related field;
• 5+ years leading research teams and projects, particularly in Computer Vision;
• Deep technical expertise coupled with versatility to work cross functionally;
• Significant research experience, including post-doctoral work, publications in high-impact journals and presentations in conferences;
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to align teams across the organization, making ambitious projects a reality;
• Experience building partnerships and securing research funding;
• Solid organizational skills as testified by awarded grants, events organization and/or partnerships/consortium management or engagement.

• A passion for bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in industry;
• Existing relationships with key academic institutions, researchers, and conferences in the computer vision domain;
• Genuine enthusiasm for mentoring and developing talent in an innovative, fast-paced environment;
• Interest in exploring interdisciplinary research opportunities that expand the boundaries of computer vision;
• Resilience to push through obstacles and adapt to evolving projects.

• A stimulating, fast-paced environment with lots of room for creativity;
• A bright future at a promising high-tech startup company;
• Career development and growth, with a competitive salary;
• The opportunity to work with a talented team and to add real value to an innovative solution with the potential to change the future of healthcare;
• A flexible environment where you can control your hours (remotely) with unlimited vacation;
• Access to our health and well-being program (digital therapist sessions);
• Remote or Hybrid work policy: We have offices in Porto and Lisbon, so if you want to have face-to-face contact you can always work from there.

Portugal - Sword Benefits & Perks:

• Health, dental and vision insurance

• Meal allowance

• Equity shares

• Remote work allowance

• Flexible working hours

• Work from home

• Discretionary vacation

• Snacks and beverages

• English class

Note: Please note that this position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must possess a valid EU visa and be based in Portugal.

Sword Health, which includes SWORD Health, Inc. and Sword Health Professionals (consisting of Sword Health Care Providers, P.A., SWORD Health Care Providers of NJ, P.C., SWORD Health Care Physical Therapy Providers of CA, P.C.*) complies with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Color, Citizenship, Gender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender information, Marital status, Medical condition, National origin, Physical or mental disability, Pregnancy, Race, Religion, Caste, Sexual orientation, and Veteran status.